Philippines: Banana farmers urged to invest in R&D
"Farmers should continue to learn, research, and benchmark...because if you are stagnant and don't welcome changes...it is not a guarantee that today or tomorrow, by doing the same thing, you will [succeed]," said Luciano Frederick Puyod III, Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII) vice president for agribusiness.
He added that when it comes to farming, whether bananas or other crops, there are a lot of things farmers have to consider like the weather, soil condition, and the quality of their workers.
"Whether they are small, medium, or large farmers, they should improve their research and development to be more competitive," said DCCCII president Antonio T. dela Cruz.
He said strengthening one's research and development is more relevant now with the Asean Economic Community coming in, which will allow farmers to not only explore the Asean market but also the global market.
Dela Cruz said our Asean neighbours are also into agriculture and produces similar products that can compete with ours.
In their efforts to help local banana farmers, the chamber will be staging the International Banana Symposium 2014 during the Davao Trade Expo 2014 on November 19 to 22 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier.
The symposium will feature topics on the latest trends and technology in the banana industry that will be delivered by local and foreign experts.
Topics include Technological Advances in Plantation Management; Trends and Opportunities for Banana Markets; Climate Change and its Impact on the Banana Industry; Past, Present, Future of Banana Improvement; and Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) Industry Strategic Plan for the Banana Industry, among others.
"Indeed this symposium will increase the awareness of the banana sector on improving their research and development," Dela Cruz said.
He said it will also provide farmers resources for the area they want to develop and research on.
"This will make them more competitive not only as we look into 2015 but as time goes by," Dela Cruz said.
source: sunstar.com.ph
