Lakatan introduced for massive planting
SAN MANUEL–The tissue-cultured lakatan banana plantlets procured from Davao is now being introduced for massive planting in Pangasinan, both in farms and in household backyards.
The plantlet, being promoted by the Pag-rangayan Development Foundation, Inc. (PCDFI), headed by Vice Admiral Virgilio Marcelo (ret.), is for sale to interested planters at P40 to P50 each and can be bought at the PCDFI office located at the San Roque Power Corporation compound in this town.
PCDFI is a non-government organization helping families relocated due to the construction of the U.S. 2 billion dollars San Roque Multi-Purpose Project in San Manuel.
Marcelo said his foundation ventured in the production of the tissue-cultured lakatan to revive the interest of local banana farmers in the production of the nutrient-rich table fruit while enhancing their income.
The yellow-colored luscious fruit is presently being sold by local fruit vendors at an average of P35 per kilo, mostly sourced from Mindanao.
Local banana farmers used to produce lakatan but a deadly virus hit their plantations and eventually killed the plants.
The plant’s suckers are usually utilized as new planting materials.
Marcelo said tissue-cultured lakatan banana plants are disease-free and are resistant to the air-borne fungus based on the experience of Davao lakatan growers.
Each tree can produce an average of 20 to 30 kilograms each after each month of cultivation.
Marketed at an average price of P25 per kilo, the gross income per plant ranges from P500 to P750.
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