Davao banana growers agree on measures to improve trade

By Carina L Cayon

Friday 22nd of June 2012

DAVAO CITY, June 22 -- Banana growers have agreed on immediate measures in response to trade problems it encountered in recent months.

In a consultative meeting with Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, the Banana Growers and Exporters of Davao Region said decided to conduct immediate reaccreditation of banana packing plants, and construct two additional packing houses here. Agricultural technicians will also be trained to supervise and assist banana growers, even as the industry will seek other foreign markets for Philippine bananas.

The meeting was held Wednesday in Tagum City.

China, the country’s second-largest banana export market, recently rejected shiploads of bananas from the Philippines after these reportedly failed quarantine tests. This affected both big and small banana.

“We have to admit we have a problem in our side, pinabayaan natin at lumuwag tayo ng sobrang luwag sa ating mga (we became lax in checking) small banana growers when it comes to sanitary compliance. The reason for rejection is not political. We can see the lapses because it is true that you can see with your naked eye the presence of mealy bugs on those bananas being rejected in China”, Alcala said.

He said that China is not banning banana supplies from Philippines but they are implementing more strict compliance now.

They required more tightly if not a hundred percent quarantine test of the bananas which causes delays and more expense to the banana exporters.

“The government is here to help. Isasaayos natin and problemang ito (We are fixing the problem) and we both need to be on the same direction. We need to meet at the middle and agreed upon a win-win solution,” Alcala said.

He said Banana farmers and exporters presented many proposals to help banana farmers but it entails huge amount to the tune of P487 million.

The Secretary said DA’s total budget for High Value Crops for this year is only P1.3 billion which covers not only banana but includes coconut, mango, lanzones, vegetables, rubber, and all other fruit crops.

“As much as I wanted to bring your proposal to the President, I cannot assure an outright response to this,” Alcala said.

He said the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) is working double time to inspect and accredit more packing houses in the region to make sure that banana supplies for export are of quality and totally free from all diseases.

He added that DA will also be funding two additional packing houses in Balagunan and in Kimamon both in Sto. Tomas Davao del Norte which will serve a total of 370 hectares.

Alcala said his office is also working day in and day out to lobby additional market for Philippine banana which include Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Europe, Italy, Brazil, Netherland among others. (Aggie Media Service/EGDeligero)