THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) XI said they will highlight discussions of improving the banana’s quality for sustainability, inviting stakeholders and industry experts for the upcoming Banana Conference and Exhibit 2024.
During the Agribiz forum on Oct. 1, Alexander Sibuan, DA XI agriculturist, said exhibitors across different regions in the country will get to showcase their products and participate in market linkages from Oct. 17 to 18 at SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, Davao City.
“Banana farmers are also invited to equip technical knowledge and provide marketing gauge for their businesses,” Sibuan said.
Arlene Tiwan, DA XI regional focal person for fruits, also said that stakeholders from banana industries, particularly from the cavendish and cardava sectors, will also be highlighted for the two-day event.
“Since these commodities are the major exports, they will be highlighted during the conference. Other varieties could still join the activity since there are lectures from experts, and a lot to learn also when it comes to the technologies that they are going to introduce to us,” Tiwan said.
Tiwan said they are budgeting about P250k to assist more than 50 farmers from various cooperatives with their registration fees, ensuring that they will get to learn from the conference firsthand.
“We will support farmers for the registration fee of the said event so that they can also share their knowledge with their members. Representatives’ names will also be endorsed by their respective local government units and municipalities,” she added.
She also shared that this will be a great venue to help farmers boost the productivity and quality of bananas amid the industry’s challenge with climate change and diseases.
File Photo by Bing Gonzales
