NORTHERN Mindanao can be a major cacao producer and can even export to the international market, said Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice president for Mindanao, Antonio Uy.
Uy said the cacao industry in this region is already starting to flourish and urged farmers to venture into growing cacao.
The Mindanao Development Authority in partnership with the Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry led the Northern Mindanao Investment and Cacao Techno Forum Thursday.
Its objective was to make Mindanao the country’s cacao capital.
Uy said anyone who owns a piece of land can grow a cacao.
"Bisan kinsa man dunay yuta, kalubihan, pwede magtanom kay pwede siya mutubo in between sa imong coconut. And mind you, cacao is high-yielding, mahal kini siya, kay dako ang demand sa chocolate makers particularly sa Europe, they even put up a station here in the country," Uy said.
"Starting pa lang ang Northern Mindanao, ang Davao region ang pinakadako ug cacao produce, atong gusto is we replicate their style, dili man lisod kay we have good business practice here. Kaya kaayo," Uy added.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry-Northern Mindanao, although the region is still starting to promote cacao industry to farmers, Northern Mindanao stays a powerhouse noting it is presently the largest pineapple producer in the country, second largest banana and papaya producer, third largest coconut producer and the third largest chicken producer in the country and the biggest in Mindanao.
The Department of Agriculture-Northern Mindanao said the climatic conditions and soil characteristics in the region are conducive to growing cocoa. Mindanao accounts for 90 percent of country’s total production.
Jeffrey Ang, Oro Chamber President, said at present, some businessmen in the city sells homemade tablea, defined as a roasted, ground and molded nibs of fermented 100 percent pure cacao beans without added ingredients and additives.
Ang encouraged businessmen and farmers to invest in cacao production and translate the cacao market opportunities into a profitable venture.
