Author : Mayuga, Jonathan L.

Summary : Banana is the fourth biggest agricultural crop in the country after palay, corn sugarcane and coconut. In its report "Banana: Trends in Production, Trade and Prices 2000-2004," the DA's Bureau of Agricultural Statistics reported that: 1) On the average, banana took a share of five percent of the annual value of all Philippines agricultural crops during the period 2000-2004; 2) Banana production has been growing through the years; 3) Increased demand in domestic and world markets encouraged banana growers in North Cotabato and Compostela valley to expand their hectarage; 4) Banana contributed an average of 14 percent of the annual total agricultural export earnings; 5) Total banana exports in 2004 declined by 1.8 percent because of lower imports of fresh banana by China, although crackers/chips exports to China increased by 168 percent in 2004 from the previous year's record.; 6) Increasing prices of banana at farmgate, wholesale and retail were observed from 2000 to 2004. The average farmgate price of banana in nominal terms posted the largest increase in 2004.