Negros Oriental starts yielding cotton

MANILA, Philippines  -Plans to boost cotton production are taking off as the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) said it has successfully cultivated and harvested cotton in the expansion area in Negros Oriental.

PhilFIDA said in a statement on Monday that a total of 30 hectares of land were allocated to cotton farming in cooperation with the city government of Guihulngan and 46 farmers in the barangays of Planas and Buenavista.

According to PhilFIDA, “a substantial portion of the farms reached harvestable maturity” since they started planting in the second week of September 2023.

“However, this project is strategically focused, representing an expansion into new territories for this year’s implementation,” the agency said.

Revitalizing cotton industry

PhilFIDA added that it will continue to advance agricultural development in Central Visayas by fostering collaboration between government bodies, and supporting local farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices.

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Also, as part of efforts to revitalize the local cotton industry, PhilFIDA began planting Bt—genetically modified—cotton in some parts of the country, with the latest ceremonial planting held in Mallig town in Isabela province.

PhilFIDA sought regulatory approvals for commercial propagation of Bt cotton, which the agency said is “proven safe” to humans and animals since tests for toxins and allergens on large and small animals showed negative results. INQ