2nd Banana Congress to discuss challenges and opportunities

Gearing up for the challenges and opportunities in the global market, stakeholders of the banana industry will convene in Davao City for the second National Banana Congress on April 1 to 2 at the SMX Lanang Convention Center.
“This year’s congress becomes crucial because of the problems and challenges of the banana industry faces, such as the widespread damage brought about by the Panama disease on Cavendish and Lakatan varieties, pests and diseases of other varieties, local and international market dynamics, and logistics,” Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport)-Davao president Ferdinand Y. Marañon told reporters on Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Davao Annex.
Marañon said aside from challenges of the multi-billion dollar banana industry, the congress will also provide a venue for the discussion on the creation of the National Banana Industry Development Council.
The council, he said, “will advance the interest of small to medium banana growers through effective leadership and representation to ensure a strong industry future, provide appropriate research and development and more effective industry strategies.”
He also said participants of the congress will discuss supporting political candidates who will support the development of the banana industry.
Activities in the two-day event include plenary sessions, panel discussions, agency and commodity exhibits, and educational seminars.
Dr. Agustin Molina of Bioversity International will also attend the event as one of the resource speakers. Marañon said Molina will discuss updates on the development of Panama-resilient banana varieties.
The National Banana Congress will be hosted by PhilExport and supported by the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Mindanao Development Authority. CHENEEN R. CAPON