BANANA production in July has recorded a five percent increase compared to the same period last year, a business leader said.
“Compared from last year’s July production, we recorded a total of 889,000 metric tons, while for this year’s production for July we recorded a total of 936,000 metric tons (MT),” Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) executive director Stephen Antig said in an interview.
Antig cited the significance of pest management improvement done this year as a contributing factor for the recorded increase.
“Nakita nato ang pagtarong sa pag-implement pud sa mga pest management with the projects nga naa na karun (We saw that there is now a better implementation of pest management projects we have now),” Antig said in an interview.
He said with the current researches presented through business conferences more ideas in controlling issues on banana diseases are being addressed.
Antig cited the recent success of the International Banana Congress last October, adding that it was also a good platform in raising awareness in treating bananas.
“Kato nga conference pud nag-focus sa mga latest breakthrough researches on possible ways in treating banana diseases like Panama (That conference also focused on the latest breakthrough researches on possible ways in treating banana diseases like Panama disease),” Antig said.
He added the event was also an avenue in creating business relations with other banana business investors.
“Nakatabang pud to nga conference in raising discussions as to how as one banana-related business sector makatabang ta sa pagpapataas pa sa production sa banana (That conference also helped in raising discussions as to how as one banana-related business sector we can help in increasing the banana production),” he ended.