The Department of Agriculture (DA) is intensifying its disease mitigation programs for the local banana industry as part of efforts to narrow the country's P10-billion farm trade deficit, Philstar Biz reported.
Bananas are a major agricultural export for the Philippines, but the sector has faced persistent threats from pests and diseases such as Fusarium wilt (Panama disease) and banana bunchy top virus. These diseases have reduced yields and quality, undermining the country's competitiveness in global markets. The DA's renewed focus aims to support farmers through better surveillance, research, and quarantine measures.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost agricultural productivity and reduce reliance on imports. By safeguarding banana production, the DA hopes to improve the trade balance while sustaining the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers and workers in the sector.