By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. recently called for an increase in the production of “high-value crops” in the province, which include bananas, cacao, coffee, ginger, and sweet potatoes.

Speaking before the 1st Food Production Heroes Assembly, the governor urged local farmers to diversify or convert their farmlands.

A similar call was made last month by Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) President Frank Carbon, who called on local sugar farmers to diversify their crops amid a reported slump in the industry.

He said, “[Farmers] should also diversify from sugarcane to vegetables and other agricultural ventures.”

Marañon echoed the sentiment, noting, with high-value crops, production is low but the rate of income is high.

“There is a shortage in supply of ginger,” the governor said. “The consumption for chocolate is also increasing.”/DGB, WDJ