THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture XI (DA) continues its support for the cacao industry in Davao Region through the high-value crops development program amid the rising price hikes of cocoa products.
DA XI Regional Cacao focal person John Paul Matuguinas said the increased prices of cacao products yield good opportunities for cacao farmers with fermented beans costing P400 to P500 per kilo and wet beans costing P90 to P120.
Matuguinas highlighted that cacao is a prime commodity in Davao Region despite the challenges.
While the quality of the region’s cacao products remained high, the production is not increasing. He cited one pressing issue where cacao farmers shifted to durian in the hopes of earning a higher income. Cacao production also faces environmental challenges like pests and diseases, weather conditions, and climate change.
In 2023, the cacao industry produced 9,000 to 10,000 metric tons with the area of production in Davao Region at around 36,000 to 50,000 hectares.
“Tuloy tuloy ang atoang panghatag og serbisyo, intervention like planting materials, fertilizer, technology dissemination, training so that it could really help our farmers nga to increase their productivity and also income,” he said during the Agribiz on Feb 7.
