Bicol Pili production gets boost as landowners expand plantations

Bicol Pili production gets boost as landowners expand plantations

PILI, Camarines Sur, Feb. 16 — The production of Pili nut products get the needed boost with several landowners in the towns of Minalabac, Camarines Sur has chosen to devote plantation of Pili trees.

Two large farm owners joined the growing number of producers who have realized the advantage of converting idle lands into Pili plantations.

2015_0216_pilinuts

Lawyer Victor dela Cruz and Nestor Llamas of Barangay Del Socorro, Minalabac, Camarines Sur, converted four hectares each of their vast lands into Pili tree plantations.

Owners Joseph and Lydia Lomibao of J. Emmanuel Pastries, have been linking with interested land owners throughout the region for a pili contract-growing scheme to ensure sustainability of pili production and processing industry.

Department of Agriculture Regional Executive Director Abelardo R. Bragas said that for the products to be competitive in the global market, there is a need to develop the economies of scale for the Bicol pili.

Pili is resistant to typhoons and pests while the nuts have long shelf life which will help boost its strong potential as major export crop.

Earlier, the DA 5 High Value Crops Development Program provided 400 grafted pili seedlings each to Dela Cruz and Llamas. (PNA/ Connie B. Destura)

*26

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *