2 months ago
13
FILIPINOS should eat more fruits, and farmers should devote more land to fruit trees. That was the message from Lope Nonoy Napao, horticulturist and president of the Negros Occidental Garden Club.
Speaking recently at the club's January general assembly at the Acacia Hotel, Bacolod City, Napao said fruits and fruit farming have many benefits; not only are fruits good for health, but they also offer environmental and economic benefits.
FRUITS FOR LIFE The Negros Occidental Garden Club urges Filipinos to include fruits in their diet, as they are good for health, the environment and the economy. PHOTO FROM NEGROS OCCIDENTAL GARDEN CLUB
Fruits are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals and are high in fiber. Fruits also provide a wide range of health-boosting antioxidants.
Napao pointed out some of the environmental benefits of planting fruit trees. They improve air quality, lower carbon dioxide emissions, improve soil's water-holding capacity and serve as wildlife habitats.
Napao believes there are compelling economic reasons why more farmers should consider fruit trees. They're perennial crops, so growers can use resources like land, labor and machinery throughout the year.
Get the latest news
delivered to your inbox
Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters
By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Fruit trees can generate additional income for farmers, and the country can earn much-needed foreign exchange by exporting fresh fruits.
Planting high-value fruit trees can become a profitable venture as many orchard growers of rambutan, durian, lanzones, mangosteen, longan (dragon's eye), lychee, pitaya (dragon fruit) and avocado are finding out.
