The ripe stuff – fruits for life!

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, Mr. Napao said fruits and fruit farming have many benefits – not only are fruits good for health, they also offer environmental and economic benefits.

Fruits are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, and they are high in fiber. Fruits also provide a wide range of health-boosting antioxidants.

Mr. Napao pointed out some of the environmental benefits of planting fruit trees. They improve air quality and lower carbon dioxide emissions, improve soil’s water-holding capacity and serve as wildlife habitats.

Mr. 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.

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 profitable ventures as many orchard growers of rambutan, durian, lanzones, mangosteen, longan, lychee, pitaya and avocado are finding out.* (Robert Harland)