Cacao has been in the history of the Philippines for many years. But it is only recently that the country has reawakened as a potential source for high-quality cacao. The cacao industry in the Philippines is now having its moment in the limelight but faced with the increasing pressure to supply the world market the sector is dealing with complex economic, social, and environmental issues.
Foremost of the concerns that confront the cacao industry is the need to increase yield to meet the global demand. Philippine cocoa production is less than 0.1% of the global production and shares with Thailand and Vietnam the 1% out of the 13% production of Asia. To avoid the impending deficit, it is of great importance to provide appropriate science and technology interventions to increase the production of our cacao industry in the Philippines.
To achieve better production, it is necessary to have a good understanding of the factors affecting cacao growth and yield and to apply the necessary management practices required by the cacao plant.
See full article at Manila Bulletin
