The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resourcers Research and Development (PCAARRD), Southern Tagalog Agriculture and Resources Research and Development (STARRDEC), Office of the Provincial Governor of Cavite, and Cavite Modern Growers Incorporated (CMGI) are teaming up to implement a community-based Science and Technology-based Farm Project (STBF) on lakatan banana production.
In a consultation meeting held at the Cavite State University (CvSU), CMGI President Eddie Silan committed the full participation and support of CMGI in implementing the community-based project especially in providing labor and other production inputs for improved lakatan banana production in Cavite.
Incidentally, the community approach of the STBF project on lakatan banana production builds on the strengths and resources in the community; provides the ability for empowerment of and equal control by people; and helps build committed and sustainable partnership.
Specifically, it is projected to increase yield from 8 tons/hectare to more than 20 tons/ha and increase the income of Cavite’s banana growers by 50 percent. Before the project commences, STARRDEC, CMGI and partner agencies will sign a manifesto on the implementation of the community-based approach of the STBF project.
Also, a memorandum of agreement shall be signed indicating the terms of reference for each participating agency and their staff. Meanwhile, CvSU agreed to review the list of cooperators and contact Lapanday Corporation to get the inventory of stocks in nurseries of partners.