Farmers earn more through DA’s banana production project
By Nora Lanuza Molde
BUTUAN CITY – Farmers from Barangay Balangbalang in Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan del Norte have started harvesting bananas from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase 2 Banana Production Project.
“I am earning more this time, including the other members of our cooperative, because of DA’s support,” said Guillermo B. Gumatay, president of the Balangbalang Banana Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (BABAFAC).
Through a P1.7-million budget from the DA-SAAD, BABAFAC launched its banana production initiative aimed at achieving food security and sustainable livelihoods for its farmer-members.
Between July and September 2023, the cooperative began planting bananas that are now transforming lives in their community.
In their first harvest, BABAFAC produced 880 kilograms of bananas from a 2.6-hectare plantation, generating a gross income of P22,000.
“The bananas we planted not only provide food for our families but also serve as an additional source of livelihood. This project motivated us to continue until we reach our goal of benefiting all banana farmers in our area,” Gumatay said.
Other farmer cooperatives in the Caraga region have also benefited from the DA-SAAD program. The Union SAAD Farmers Association (USFA) in Barangay Union, Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte, received P2.1 million to support banana and egg production projects, while the Hanagdong Lakatan Farmers Association (HALAFA) in Barangay Hanagdong, Malimono, Surigao del Norte, received P665,000.
USFA harvested 771 kilograms of bananas from a 3.08-hectare plantation, earning P23,130, while HALAFA yielded 412 kilograms from 3.26 hectares, earning P15,656.
Overall, farmer cooperatives in Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte collectively earned a total gross income of P60,786 from their first harvest under the Banana Production Project.
DA-SAAD Caraga Regional Lead Melody Guimary lauded the resilience and hard work of the farmers, despite challenges such as drought and diseases.
“The first harvest is a testament to the determination of our farmer-beneficiaries. As they look forward to their second harvest in the third quarter of FY 2025, they remain steadfast in their commitment to improving their livelihoods,” Guimary said.
Through livelihood assistance, the program aims to uplift the economic conditions of underserved communities, helping them become self-reliant and sustainable contributors to the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
The success of the Banana Production Project is a powerful example of how government support can transform lives, enabling farmers to achieve food sufficiency while improving their income and overall quality of life. (NCLM/PIA- Agusan del Norte)
