Cotabato gears up for banana flour processing plant project
BANANA growers and other industry stakeholders in the southern province of Cotabato are preparing to set up a banana flour processing plant, to be located at an agro-industrial park in the town of M鈥濒补苍驳.听听听
In a gathering organized by the provincial agriculturist office last week, producers, traders and processors discussed the requirements of a sustainable flour plant operation and the estimated annual production of local farms.听听听
Governor Emmylou “Lala” T. Mendoza said the meeting also tackled the challenges faced by banana farmers.听听听
鈥Through this meeting, focus can be given on the problems of the industry to ensure the success of the banana flour processing plant in the province. The goal is to protect the welfare of each farmer and increase their income,鈥 she said in Filipino.听听听
Ms. Mendoza also said the processing plant is crucial to the success of the Cotabato Agro-Industrial Park.听听听
In 2021, a P318.5-million fund was allocated by the provincial government for the development of the agro-industrial park and delivery of various agricultural services.听听听
Cotabato, also referred to by its old name North Cotabato, is pursuing an agri-based economic growth with four priority commodities, namely: rubber, oil-palm, coconut, and banana.听听听听听
Data from the local government鈥s site show the province annually produces a combined 94 metric tons (MT) of different banana varieties, including 40 MT of Cavendish, 30 MT of Cardava, and 24 MT of Lakatan.听听听
About 13,756 hectares are planted with banana bearing trees, with farms operated by the country鈥s major exporter as well as smallholders.听听听
For other agricultural sectors, Ms. Mendoza said the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) is also preparing to pass a resolution requesting the Department of Public Work and Highways to allow the construction of quarantine facilities at the provinces鈥 entry points to protect farms and livestocks from diseases.听听听听
Cotabato is a landlocked province in central Mindanao. It shares borders with the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Davao del Sur, and Davao City. 鈥 Maya M. Padillo
