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DTI open for comments on Banana Cardava handbook

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/11 Nov) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 11 is open for comments on the “Banana Cardava Industry” handbook launched at the 1st  Mindanao Banana Congress here.

DTI-11 regional director Marizon Loreto said the book is an industry study that provides information and investment opportunities particularly for Banana Cardava.

Loreto noted that the figures cited in the study were validated by stakeholders through series of consultations “although only the latter can provide the exact data.”

“We expect possible comments on the book,” she told reporters, adding that copies are avaible at DTI-11 office for free.

The book, launched during the November 7 to 8 Congress, will serve as a business guide for all those who are interested to invest in Cardava, especially on designing business plans and in formulating innovative steps towards increase in productivity and profitability.

The leading fruit grown in the country, banana remains as the top dollar earner, the book said.

Commonly known as Saba Banana, Banana Cardava is a primary export commodity as raw material of banana chips, which according to Loreto has become a popular snack food.

Banana chips, the book states, are exported to different countries in Asia, Europe, North and South America.

“Banana Cardava production is widespread in Mindanao, accounting for about 48 percent in terms of production and 41 percent in terms of area planted, with Davao region as the biggest producer,” the book says.

MASICAP MSME (Medium and Small Scale Industries Coordinated Action Program – Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises)  Foundation, Inc. was commissioned by the DTI-11 to conduct the study, which began early this year, obtaining data from 2010-2011.

Loreto said, the handbook was not the first that MASICAP did for DTI-11, citing earlier books on bamboo and rubber industries.

She added that other initial commodities for study include mango, banana, coffee and cacao.

DTI-11 also partnered with a culinary group in the city, led by Mary Ann Montemayor, to share food preparations of Cardava other than banana chips and serving them fresh, Loreto said. (Lorie Ann A. Cascaro/MindaNews)

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