It is amazing how a simple mid-day snack can help thousands of families. More than being a delicious and a healthy alternative to traditional snacks, banana chips and its booming manufacturing industry became one of the Philippine government’s ways to give Filipinos a decent source of income. Through this industry, Filipinos especially those in Mindanao have more opportunities to overcome poverty.
THE BOOMING BANANA INDUSTRY
Philippines, being a tropical country, has all the right things to grow the banana plant. The perfect weather helps bananas thrive and the availability of manpower activates bananas’ potential to be one of the most valuable products of the Philippines.
According to the “Industry Analysis of Banana Industry in the Philippines”, our country is one of the world’s top banana producers. We are listed fourth after India, Uganda, and China. Though we are heavy exporter of bananas in the world, still most of the product is consumed by the local market. In fact, approximately 66% of our own bananas are sold in the country.
- 45.5% of those locally-consumed bananas are sold in markets.
- 16.5% are sold as by-products such as banana chips as we are currently exporting to 30 countries both in North America and in Europe.
- 4% are considered to be wastage, rotten or used for other purposes like feeds.
This leaves us with only 34% for export. With these figures, the banana industry in the Philippines is indeed booming. Moreover, this amazing numbers just shows that it is inevitable that this industry expands to other countries. As the industry branches out to lands outside the Philippines, more job opportunities are being created. Hence, more Filipinos are getting more work and more income opportunities which can make them more financially successful.
THE BANANA CHIPS BUSINESS
For the longest time, potato chips had dominated mid-day snacking despite the fact that it contains high contents of trans fat. When times changed and people got more health-conscious, people tend to find a healthier alternative to their afternoon munchies.
In the Philippines, Filipinos have long been consuming banana chips not just in the afternoon, but also with almost any time of the day and with any activity.
- Reviewing for exams? Banana chips!
- Overtime in work? Banana chips!
- Hangout? Banana chips!
Because of its accessibility, availability, and its sweet flavor, banana chips have been part of Filipino snacking for decades.
Now that the Philippines is one of the top producers of banana by-products, the banana chip snacking has also invaded other countries especially those in the West. The US and European market is now captivated by the sweet and salty, yet healthy delight called banana chips.
With the demand of banana chips all over the world, Philippines widely produces Cardava banana variant as it is the main ingredient of banana chips. This variant is mainly produced in Mindanao as most of our banana products. In fact, 90% of our country’s banana chips come from Mindanao. Also, out of all the 41 big banana producers and exporters in the country, 31 of them are in Mindanao.
Several reports have declared that many of the poorest cities and municipalities in the country are in Mindanao. Having this flourishing industry plus the high demand for banana and banana chips in both local and international markets, our fellowmen in Mindanao have more chances to better their lives especially financial-wise. This thriving banana business means more livelihood that hopefully can lead to the betterment of families’ economic status.
Our government has already noticed the great potential of banana industry in Mindanao and in the whole country. According to the Bureau of Agricultural Research, the government has conducted livelihood projects to support our local banana farmers. Through this initiative, our farmers are encouraged to participate in the banana industry which eventually positively impacts both the farmer’s family and the industry itself.
THE BANANA CHIPS PROJECT
Because of bananas’ contribution to our economy, the government has developed programs that can benefit both the local farmers and businesses.
In 2005, the Central Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center commenced a community-based farming system project in Region XII. This aimed to promote technology in banana farming and in banana by-product manufacturing. The project has boosted agricultural productivity and profitability which helped the government achieved its goal to increase our export contribution and position the country as one of the top banana producers in the world.
The project introduced the Cardava cultivars to local farmers, taught them about proper management of banana plantations, and trained the locals in the different by-product manufacturing techniques and technologies. In this way, the whole family and the community are involved. Normally, husbands take care of the Cardava production, while wives are in-charge of the manufacturing of banana chips.
After a year of implementation, positive results are already noticeable. Banana farms are sustained; testimonials are innumerable stating that their family’s income increased. Project leaders also noted that if the family’s finances are managed wisely, their income from banana production and banana chips manufacturing can sustain their daily needs.
HELP OUR LOCAL FARMERS
Without a doubt, the banana industry changes lives of our local farmers, their families, and even our economy. As a country, we had the glory of being hailed as one of the top banana producers in the world. For the local farmers, bananas helped them overcome the daily financial struggles.
As consumers, it would be better if we patronize our own local products especially our local banana chips. It would be awesome to imagine that our simple purchase can help change the lives of thousands of families. It would be amazing that our little contribution can empower families to survive poverty.
Patronize local. Try Greenville’s Banana Chips!