In a joint initiative to empower local banana farmers, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) held a business planning seminar on 30 August 2024, at Barangay Capuseran, Benito Soliven, Isabela. This seminar, aimed at strengthening the business acumen of farmers, was spearheaded by DTI-CARP Provincial Coordinators Mr. Billy Joe B. Concepcion and Mr. Leumer M. Viernes, with the support of various stakeholders.
The event was attended by 26 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from the Capuseran Agriculture Cooperative, who are primarily engaged in banana farming and trading. The cooperative has expanded its efforts in recent years, particularly in growing the Cardava banana variety, a project that benefited from the expertise of Dr. Artemio “Jun” A. Martin Jr. of Isabela State University (ISU) Echague Campus. With the continued dedication of its members, the cooperative now has a total of 1.3 hectares planted with Cardava bananas.
A key component of the seminar was a comprehensive business planning session led by STIDS Mary Rose M. Dumpit, who introduced the participants to the Business Model Canvas, a strategic management tool used to develop efficient business plans. The simplified approach enabled farmers to visualize and complete their cooperative’s business model, equipping them with valuable strategies to enhance and grow their banana farming enterprises.
The seminar underscores the importance of providing Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries with business skills to manage their agricultural endeavors effectively. With these newly acquired tools, the Capuseran Agriculture Cooperative is better positioned to thrive in the banana farming and trading industry, contributing to local economic growth and sustainability.
Assisting in the seminar were Negosyo Center Junior Business Counselor Ms. Kristel Bassig, DAR ARPO I Roderick F. Sarmiento, and DF LGU representative Marlon P. Corpuz.
Date of release: 02 September 2024
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