Production and marketing practices of abaca farmers in Caraga Region [Philippines]

Abaca known internationally for its world-class fiber Manila hemp, continues to be one of the priority agricultural commodities of the Department of Agriculture (DA) with the country supplying more than 87.4 percent of the total fiber market and earning more than USD 111.13 million in global trade annually. With continuing development of fiber craft industry in the Philippines, the abaca fiber market has been witnessing boost due to the growing demand for gifts, toys, and housewares. Moreover, increasing consumer inclination lifestyle products is further expected to strengthen the growth trend for abaca crafts in the coming years. Currently, there are only two major exporters of abaca fiber in the world- Philippines and Ecuador, with the Philippines for over 80% of the global production of abaca fiber. The study aimed to: (1) address current gaps of abaca industry profile for Caraga region; (2) provide baseline data/information of the abaca industry; (3) capture the production and marketing practices of the various abaca farmers, traders; (4) determine the strategic importance of abaca in Caraga economy its contribution to annual household and (5) present the problems and constraints encountered by the farmers and traders. The study was conducted in the four provinces in Caraga region, namely. Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao Norte and Surigao del Sur. The researchers come up with two sets of respondents, the farmers and traders using structured questionnaires. There was also a focus group discussion among the different stakeholders. A total 1,249 respondents were interviewed. This research study is a partnership with the Philippine Rural Development am (PRDP) Results revealed that the in Caraga, planting is generally dependent on available number of seedlings readily awesome to farmers. Majority of the farmers using corms and suckers from mother plants in own farm experience sourcing sufficient quantity of seedlings, especially when they have to rehabilitate the whole farm or setup a new farm. It is recommended that the use of abaca disease resistant seedlings will be introduced to abaca farmers for ion. Proper care and maintenance of abaca plants may be followed by abaca farmers to pro demand better price.