Intensive research to help troubled banana industry

The country's declining banana production, as a result of the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the spread of Panama disease, should be taken into account by developing research that would bolster the sustainability of the troubled industry.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the Philippines accounts for 90 percent of Asian banana exports and is the world's second-largest banana exporter.

However, this 90 percent share dropped to around 60 percent last year.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2021 showed that bananas for January of the said year totaled 186,419,019 tons, or 51 percent, compared to fruit exports in January 2020. This export volume, according to PSA, was the lowest recorded since 2006 for January.

Significant role

Proposed House Bill 6300, or the Banana Research and Export Act of 2022, could play a significant role in reviving the country's plagued banana industry by establishing the Banana Research Export Promotion Council as provided by the proposed measure.

The facility's establishment could capitalize on the promising benefits of a thriving banana industry while conducting research and development in the field.

"With a thriving banana industry, many farmers will have sustainable income and livelihoods that will, in turn, produce a healthy economy," said the bill's author, AGRI Partylist Rep. Wilbert Lee.

10-year framework plan

Once enacted, the BREPC will develop a 10-year framework plan to guide the formulation and implementation of strategies, programs, and projects for the production, processing, and marketing of bananas for export worldwide.

It shall collaborate with the Departments of Agriculture and Science and Technology, State Universities and Colleges, cooperatives and organizations of banana growers and processors, local government entities and the private sector.

The banana industry has faced several struggles, including poor infrastructure, pests, and climate change.