Need an export boost? Invest in high value crops

Higher investments in the high value crops sector, particularly in dollar-earning commodities, would improve the country's trade advantage and competitiveness, an agriculture industry group said.

- By JASPER EMMANUEL ARCALAS

The Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. (PCAFI) said the government should consider creating "fruit districts" where production areas of fruits will be organized around packing houses and processing plants to ensure efficient supply chain and reduce market costs.

The facilities may involve processing plants to manufacture juice, frozen slices, dried fruits, among others.

The districts can be created for the likes of mango, banana, pineapples, among others, according to PCAFI.

The government can also invest in programs that will improve the bamboo and okra industries, which have been driven by the private sector for the longest time. Export earnings from bamboo can go as much as $30 million, such as the case in 2009, PCAFI said.