Feasibility study of establishing a virus-free banana seedling propagation facility in Masaya, Bay, Laguna [Philippines]

Banana is one of the major income-generating crops in the country. But banana production encounters problems that affect its productivity. One of the major problems is the prevalence of diseases like the Bunchy Top Virus, Black Sigatoka, Moko and Dry Rot Diseases, which are caused by viruses carried by insects like aphids and corn weevil. To reduce the problem regarding the mentioned diseases, tissue-culture propagation can be adopted. This study aimed to assess the viability of establishing a virus-free banana seedling propagation facility in Bay, Laguna. The project's viability is assessed based on its feasibility on the four business functions namely: marketing, production, organization/management and financial functions. The facility will distribute high quality seedlings to the banana farmers, which can enhance the productivity of their farms at the same time the proposed business is generating enough income to sustain its operation. Potential target market, marketing, promotional, and pricing strategies were identified to completely sell the volume produced by the facility. Some of the results of the market analysis also include the determination of the most appropriate price for each plantlet. The production level at which the business will generate enough income to cover the costs and the investments was determined. Moreover, financial analysis was done to determine the sustained profitability of the facility. It was found that establishing a virus-free banana seedling propagation facility is feasible in all of the business aspects. But considering that the business will be established in an environment that is characterized by complexity, dynamism and uncertainty, potential risks and problems that the business will be encountering were identified. Recommendations were formulated to address the identified potential risks and problems.