Banana – Industry Strategic Science and Technology Plans (ISPs) Platform

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Banana

Industry Strategic Science and Technology Program

Industry Profile

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Policy Research & Advocacy

Banana Industry Profile

Banana, with its many potential health benefits, is one of the most important fruit crops in the Philippines. The Philippine Banana Industry comprises farmers, cooperatives, traders, exporters, and manufacturers but is mainly dominated by large multinational companies. There are three major varieties produced in the country: 1. Cavendish, the primary variety (50% of the total banana production), generates 329,648 jobs in the country, providing P42.3B in annual wages; 2. Lakatan, a popularly known dessert, contributes 11% of the total banana production; and 3. Saba, a major cooking-type banana, comprises 29% of the total banana production. The Philippines is the 3rd largest producer of bananas globally, following India and China in 2014 (FAOStat, 2017). Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), as of 2019, the Davao region is the top producer of bananas with 3.43M mt or 37.4% of the total banana production in 2019. Significant banana producers in the Philippines also include the regions of Northern Mindanao, SOCCSKSARGEN, and BARMM, with 21.4, 12.9, and 6.5 percent shares in 2019 production, respectively.

Banana products are commonly exported fresh and processed like banana chips, one of the emerging export winners of the Philippines. The raw materials for banana chips production are based on two cultivars, namely Saba and Cardaba.

Problems in the Industry

The industry’s major problem is its susceptibility to major diseases such as banana bunchy top disease (BBTD), Sigatoka, and Fusarium wilt (FW), also known as Panama disease. Cavendish was threatened by Fusarium wilt (FW) tropical race 4, a disease caused by a soil-borne pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc). FW could thrive in the soil for years, causing banana plants to wilt and make the plantation unproductive. BBTD, on the other hand, is a major constraint and is considered the most destructive virus disease of bananas in the country. It severely affects the Lakatan variety, which is commonly grown by small-scale growers. The industry further faced a lack of supply, particularly in the banana chips industry, mainly due to traditional Saba taking several months (18-24 months) before it can be harvested.

Price
Production
Policies and Programs

Farm Gate Price
Retail Price
Wholesale Price

Volume
Value
Area
Yield

Banana Policies

Policy Type	Policy Number	Policy Year	Congress	Policy Title	Policy Description	Policy Objective	Policy Link	Commodity	Classification	info_encoder_stamp	info_date_stamp	filepath
Exceutive Order	Executive No. 807, s. 2009	2009	null	Repealing Letter of Instruction (LOI) No. 58, as Amended, Limiting the Hectarage for Banana Export Plantation to 26,250 Hectares	One of the goals of the 2004-2010 Medium-Term Philippine development Plan is to develop new land for agribusiness to create more job opportunities and to strengthen global competitiveness. The Philippine export banana industry has gained global market strength over the years producing one of the country’s major export products and source of jobs. LOI 58 issued on 22 February 1973, as amended by LOI 790 issued on 6 January 1979, limits the hectarage that could be planted to export banana at 26,250 hectares. The existing hectarage planted to export banana increased over the years and has exceeded the limit allowed under said LOI due to increasing global market demand. Improving the country’s global market position in the export banana industry necessitates the repeal of LOI 58 as amended.	The order seeks to repeal the Letter of Instruction No. 58 (series of 1973).	https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2009/06/08/executive-order-no-807-s-2009/	Banana	null	Jeff U.	05/27/2025	C:\Users\MISD-Jeff\Documents\PCAARRD\Formatting\Output\Banana_2025-05-27_processed.xlsx
Guidelines/Strategies	Philippine National Standards for Banana	2008	null	Philippine National Standards for Fresh fruits – Banana	Minimum requirements: In all classes, subject to the special provisions for each class and the tolerances allowed, the banana must be: – mature; – whole (finger as the reference); – firm; sound (fit for consumption); – clean; practically free of any visible foreign matter; – preferably free of bruises and blemishes; – preferably free of pests; – preferably free of damage caused by pests; – free of abnormal external moisture, excluding condensation following removal from cold storage; – free of any foreign smell and/or taste; and – with flower remnants removed. In addition, hands and clusters must include a sufficient portion of the crown with or without peduncle fragments, sound and free of fungal contamination. The banana must have been carefully picked and have reached an appropriate degree of development and maturity in accordance with criteria proper to the variety and to the area in which they are grown. The development and condition of the banana must enable it: – to withstand transport and handling; and – to arrive in satisfactory condition at the place of destination.	The PNS for Banana establishes a system of classifying and grading banana (generally considered table banana) grown from Musa spp., of the Musaceae family, in the mature stage, to be supplied fresh to the consumer, after preparation and packaging. Banana intended for cooking only (plantains) or for industrial processing are excluded.	http://spsissuances.da.gov.ph/attachments/article/841/PNS-BAFPS%2064-2008-Banana.pdf	Banana	null	Jeff U.	05/27/2025	C:\Users\MISD-Jeff\Documents\PCAARRD\Formatting\Output\Banana_2025-05-27_processed.xlsx
Order	Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 25	2005	null	Guidelines on the Certification of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Fruits and Vegetable (FV) Farming	Scope of Guidelines. This establishes the rules applied by the Department of Agticullre (DA) for granling. mainlaining and withdrawing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Cerlficale to individal growers or farms in the fresh fiuit and vegelable sector or (o their Piuduce Markeling Organizations (PMOs) that market and or trade the produce.	The AO seeks to establish specific guidelines in GAP certification and generally ensures the safety nd quality of fruits and vegetables consumed fresh.	http://spsissuances.da.gov.ph/attachments/article/363/DA%20AO%2025%20Series%20of%202005%20Guidelines%20on%20the%20Certification%20of%20Good%20Agricultural%20Practices%20for%20Fruits%20and%20Vegetable%20Farming.pdf	Banana	null	Jeff U.	05/27/2025	C:\Users\MISD-Jeff\Documents\PCAARRD\Formatting\Output\Banana_2025-05-27_processed.xlsx
Guidelines/Strategies	Philippine National Standards for Saba and Cardaba Bananas	2004	null	Philippine National Standards for Fresh fruits – Saba and Cardabas Bananas- Specification	This Philippine National Standard for Fresh Fruit ‘Saba’ and ‘Cardaba’ bananas, PNS/BAFPS 08:2003 was formulated in view of the increasing importance of the commodity in the local economy and potential in international trade. These type of bananas are classified as cooking bananas and should have a separate and more claborate standard than that of PNS 81:1987, which are for table banana varictics. It is imperative that further elaboration based on the physical characteristics, classification, tolerances, sampling, marking or labeling, and safety requirements of ‘Saba’ and ‘Cardaba’ bananas be reflected in a separate standard. Minimum requirements: In all classes subject to the special provisions for cach class and the tolerances allowed, the fruits must meet the following requirements: 5.1 The fruit must be reasonably clean, free from diseases, insects, molds and other contaminants. 5.2 The use of chemical process for ripening is allowed provided it conforms with PNS/SAO 74. 5.3 Pesticide residues shall meet the requirements of the Codex Alimentarius Commission Vol. 2.	The PNS for Saba and Cardaba Bananas establishes a system of grading and classifying ‘Saba’ and “Cardaba’ type bananas grown from Musa balbisiana of the Musaceac family produced in the Philippines.	http://spsissuances.da.gov.ph/images/DAPNS/PNS-BAFS08-2004-Freshfruit-SabaCardabaBananas.pdf	Banana	null	Jeff U.	05/27/2025	C:\Users\MISD-Jeff\Documents\PCAARRD\Formatting\Output\Banana_2025-05-27_processed.xlsx
Law	Republic Act No. 7900	1995	9th	An Act To Promote The Production, Processing, Marketing, And Distribution Of High-Value Crops, Providing Funds Therefor, And For Other Purposes, “High-Value Crops Development Act of 1995”	It is hereby declared the policy of the State to accelerate the growth and development of agriculture in general, enhance productivity and incomes of farmers and the rural population, improve investment climate, competencies and efficiency of agribusiness and develop high-value crops as export crops that will significantly augment the foreign exchange earnings of the country, through an all-out promotion of the production, processing, marketing, and distribution of high-value crops in suitable areas of the country. HVCs are defined as crops other than traditional crops which include, but are not limited to: coffee and cacao, fruit crops (citrus, cashew, guyabano, papaya, mango, pineapple, strawberry, jackfruit, rambutan, durian, mangosteen, guava, lanzones, and watermelon), root crops (potato and ubi), vegetable crops (asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, celery, carrots, cauliflower, radish, tomato, bell pepper, and patola), legumes, pole sitao (snap beans and garden pea), spices and condiments (black pepper, garlic, ginger, and onion), and cutflower and ornamental foliage plants (chrysanthemum, gladiolus, anthuriums, orchids, and statice).	The Act aims to promote the production, processing, marketing, and distribution of high-value crops in suitable areas of the country.	https://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/ra_09/Ra07900.pdf	Banana	null	Jeff U.	05/27/2025	C:\Users\MISD-Jeff\Documents\PCAARRD\Formatting\Output\Banana_2025-05-27_processed.xlsx

Data Source: Philippine Statistics Authority update as of May 30, 2024.

Notes:

Volume of production of banana in metric tons
Area of production of banana in hectares
Yield of banana in metric tons
Value of Production at Current Prices in Million PhP
Value of Production at Constant 2018 Prices in Million PhP
Farmgate price in peso per kilogram
Retail Price of fresh fruit, banana, saba, medium, 1 kg, in peso per kilogram
Retail Price of fresh fruit, banana, lakatan, medium, 1 kg, in peso per kilogram
Wholesale Price, (Old Series:1990-2009), peso per kilogram
– Banana Lakatan, ripe
Wholesale Price, (New Series:2010-2023), peso per kilogram
– Banana Lakatan, ripe
– Banana Saba, green

Farmgate Price, (Old Series:1990-2009), peso per kilogram
– Banana Lakatan, green
– Banana Saba, green
Farmgate Price, (New Series:2010-2023), peso per kilogram
– Banana Cavendish
– Banana Lakatan, green
– Banana Saba, green
Retail Price, (Old Series:1990-2011), peso per kilogram
– Banana Lakatan, ripe
– Banana Saba, ripe
Retail Price, (2012-based:2012-2017), peso per kilogram
– Fresh fruit, Banana, Lakatan, medium, 1kg
– Fresh fruit, Banana, Saba, medium, 1kg
Retail Price, (2018-based:2018-2023), peso per kilogram
– Fresh fruit, Banana, Lakatan, medium, 1kg
– Fresh fruit, Banana, Saba, medium, 1kg

ISP for Banana

PCAARRD ISP on banana aims to reduce the incidence of FW on Cavendish in Mindanao by 90-95% and the banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) in Lakatan from 70% to 20%. It also aims to develop a dwarf Saba which can be harvested earlier at 12-18 months compared with the traditional Saba at 18-24 months.

Strategic R&D

Strategic R&D is DOST-PCAARRD’s banner program comprising all R&D activities that are intended to
generate outputs geared towards maximum economic and social benefits

Multi-location Evaluation of Promising Saba Strains with Short Stature

The Philippine banana chips industry has become one of the country’s emerging export winners. The raw materials for banana chips...

Banana productivity and supply chain enhancement in Cagayan Valley Region

Focusing on Saba, Lakatan, and Latundan varieties, the program was proposed to sustain the banana industry in Cagayan. The program...

Nanobiopesticide for Fusarium wilt control

With the aim to develop a nanobiopesticide using metabolite/s from plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) against fusarium wilt on high-value crops,...

Products, equipment, and protocols or process innovations developed to improve productivity, efficiency,
quality, and profitability in the agriculture and aquatic industries, and to achieve sustainable
utilization and management of natural resources

Banana Diseases Surveillance System

The development of mobile technologies for agricultural disease surveillance has not been the top priority in the Philippines. This is probably so because mobile agricultural service delivery is still at...

Technology transfer initiatives ensure that the outputs of R&D and innovations are transformed
into viable and applicable technologies that help intended users

Pinoy S&T Services for Farmers and Entrepreneurs Program (PSF): Magsasaka Siyentista-Led Community Based Banana (Saba/Cardaba) Farming System In Davao Oriental

This project aims to rehabilitate using S&T-based approaches to the banana-cardaba production areas in the Typhoon Pablo affected municipalities in Davao Oriental. The proposed project sites will be located in...

Pinoy S&T Services for Farmers and Entrepreneurs Program (PSF): Magsasaka Siyentista-Led Community Based Coconut And Banana Production Systems In Compostela Valley Province

This project will promote the coconut and banana intercropping systems in Monkayo and Nabunturan in Compostela Valley province through the Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) approach. One MS from each of the...

Pinoy S&T Services for Farmers and Entrepreneurs Program (PSF): Magsasaka Siyentista-Led Community-Based Coconut And Banana Farming Systems In Davao Del Norte

This project aims to promote the Integrated Crop Management and Good Agricultural Practices in banana and coconut farming system in Typhoon Pablo-affected municipalities of Davao del Norte through the Magsasaka-Siyentista-led...

Coconut-Based Intercropping with Banana and Corn as Livelihood Options for Communities in Brgy. Camansihay, Tacloban, Leyte: An S&T Community-Based Farm (STCBF) Approach

The proposed project will try to demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of the technologies on improving farm productivity through organic farming in Yolanda-affected communities, particularly in one barangay of Tacloban...

IFSU IP-TBM Phase II: Patent Mining of Banana Towards a Sustainable Ifugao State University Intellectual Property and Technology Business Management Office (IFSU IPTBM)

The ongoing project enhances and strengthens the capacities of IP-TBM offices through Patent landscaping and mining. It involves the following activities: Capacitation of the IP-TBM personnel of IFSU in Patent...

Capacity building efforts of DOST-PCAARRD seek to develop and enhance the R&D capabilities of researchers
and academic or research institutions through graduate assistantships & non-degree trainings
and development and/or upgrading of research facilities

Infrastructure Development

New Plant Pest Clinic and Diagnostic Center building

Equipment in the NVSU CA laboratory: laboratory oven

Equipment in the NVSU CA laboratory: large monitor screen for microscope viewing

Equipment in the NVSU CA laboratory: rotary evaporator

Equipment in the NVSU CA laboratory: distilling equipment

Field planting from AGRAL experimental site

National Repository, Multiplication and Dissemination Center (NRMDC)

Renovation of tissue culture unit of NPGRL

Rehabilitated plants affected by Typhoon Glenda after ten months

Manpower Development

Workshop conducted at IPB, UPLB participated by farmers and concerned agencies.

Technology/variety promotion forum at NVSU

Cultural management, employed during the vegetative stage (UPLB).

Seminar in Brgy. Bicud, Lal-lo, Cagayan on how to conduct the evaluation trials and the roles, duties, and responsibilities of each cooperator

Lecture in Brgy. Capellan, Ilagan, Isabela on how to conduct the evaluation trials and the roles, duties, and responsibilities of each cooperator

Lecture on Disease Control and Management of Banana at IPB-CSC, CA, UP Los Baños

Capacity building on Banana production, disease management and introduction of Lakatan cultivar

Policy Research & Advocacy

Analysis of policy concerns and advocacy of science-informed policies ensures that the AANR policy environment is conducive for S&T development
and investments

Competitiveness of Philippine Cavendish Industry under the ASEAN Economic Community

The study shows that banana production in the country is competitive under both export trade and import substitution scenarios. This implies that Philippine banana is competitive internationally and exporting it can help earn foreign exchange. The cost of producing these domestically is also much cheaper relative to imports. Results also show that the Philippine banana industry can still be competitive even if yield (52.62 mt/ha) goes down by 58 percent, or domestic and foreign cost rise by 210 and 426 percent, respectively. Sustaining this competitiveness would require continuous investment in banana R&D, especially that the industry is still facing major challenges.

Reference:

Lapiña, G. F. and Andal, E. T. (2017). ASEAN Economic Community: Opportunities and Challenges for the Crops Sector. Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines: Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development – (Project Report)

PCAARRD's Industry Strategic Science and Technology Programs