Bani: The municipal government here is taking steps to protect watermelon farmers against scrupulous buyers by grouping them into associations and accrediting buyers. In an interview on Saturday during the opening of the Pakwan (watermelon) Festival, Vice Mayor Gwen Palafox-Yamamoto said there were reported schemes of buyers that hurt the watermelon farmers, hence the need for them to take action.
According to Philippines News Agency, Vice Mayor Palafox-Yamamoto explained that buyers often provide a down payment to farmers but delay the collection of produce until prices fall, leaving farmers unable to sell to others due to their commitment. To combat this, the local government is organizing farmers into associations and requiring buyer accreditation to ensure accountability and legitimacy in transactions.
Yamamoto highlighted that there are approximately 800 to 1,000 watermelon farmers across seven barangays in the town, a significant increase from the five to ten farmers in 1986 when watermelon farming began. She mentioned that the town produced an estimated 4,000 metric tons of watermelon in 2025, with most produce exported to areas like Manila, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, and Tagaytay.
The local government is also supporting farmers by providing farm inputs, subsidies, and guidance throughout the harvest process. Initiatives such as the Pakwan Festival and the Agri-Trade Fair aim to promote farmers' products, with 600 slices of watermelon served during the festival's opening Mass Slicing and Boodle Fight.
Yamamoto noted that the town's unique soil and water conditions contribute to the sweetness of their watermelons. Moreover, the trade fair, running until February 8, offers fresh vegetables and other agricultural products in 30 farmers' stalls, with no fee for stall use to support farmers.
In addition to fresh watermelons, the fair features processed products like watermelon wine, chips, jams, and pickles, showcasing a push towards value-added products. Yamamoto invites visitors from across the Philippines to Bani to experience what she describes as the sweetest watermelon in the country.
