At least 150 banana growers whose plantations were infected with Fusarium wilt or Panama disease shifted to corn farming in Davao del Norte province. This meant they became the first beneficiaries of Governor Edwin Jubahib’s KAAGAPAY Corn Program that provides farmers with free corn seeds and fertilizers.
Each beneficiary received two bags of hybrid corn seeds, free fertilizer, and PHP4,430 from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program for displaced or disadvantaged workers.
Jubahib underscored the importance of helping the farmers who have been struggling with the disease for a long time. “The farmers affected by Panama disease have been perpetually asking for our help. We must help them, and that’s what we’re doing it with the KAAGAPAY program,” he said in a statement.
Jubahib said the provincial government has seen the struggle of the banana farmers, especially in controlling the spread of Panama disease.
Source: pageone.ph