Mindanao Dominates Rubber & Cacao
A study funded by the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCCAARRD) revealed that Mindanao areas dominate rubber and cacao production.
Leading the country's "rubber corridor" was Zamboanga Sibugay with 66,500 hectares of land planted with rubber, followed by North Cotabato (59,400 ha), Agusan del Sur (15,700 ha), Bukidnon (10,300 ha), and Compostela Valley (8,100 ha).
In areas for cacao production, Davao Oriental has the largest area planted with the crop at almost 7,000 hectares. Following the lead are Compostela Valley with 5,900 hectares, and Davao City with 3,300 hectares.
The study aimed to identify and develop a national database of the location of the plantations, and recognize possible areas for expansion.
Aside from the areas mentioned, PCCAARRD also studied Basilan, Palawan, and other parts of Davao del Sur. They noted that 10% of Davao Oriental and 11% of Basilan's land area have high potential for cacao farming. Basilan was also observed to have high potential in rubber, as well as Compostela Valley.
“The project equipped members of the local and national government agencies with knowledge and know-how in sustaining plantations of rubber and cacao,” PCAARRD said.
Source: Philstar | Photo by Blue Plover
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