Stronger Support for Banana Sector Assured Amid Panama Disease Threat
Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has vowed to support the banana sector in the country to help address the spread of Panama disease. The commitment came after the 32nd Joint General Assembly of the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) and the Banana Export Industry Foundation (BEIF). The Fusarium wilt tropical race 4, or Panama disease, is a fungal infection that severely affects banana production. According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the DA is “firmly committed to supporting our banana farmers and exporters in addressing this challenge.” He emphasized the importance