President Rodrigo Duterte expects agriculture to be a major industry in the Philippines again in 30 years’ time if the nation supports government efforts to iron out law and order, including putting an end to extortion activities by bandit groups victimizing local farmers. At the closing ceremonies of the 2016 Banana Congress held in Davao City last week, Duterte cited the role of Mindanao plantations in the development of agriculture in the country. He said, however, law and order remain as the greatest challenge to the country’s banana industry in Mindanao, acknowledging that owners of plantations in the area continue to be harassed by lawless groups. Duterte said Mindanao is key to driving developments in Philippine agriculture. The banana plantations in Mindanao cover about 83,000 hectares and are estimated to employ more than 330,000 workers supporting a total of two million people.

Source: Manila Times October 09, 2016 16:18 UTC