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 during their 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, they also offer environmental and economic benefits.
The Department of Health has long urged Filipinos to adopt healthier diets. Eating a range of healthful fruits provides the body with nutrients and antioxidants that can boost overall health.
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, Napao said.
Napao said they also contain phytonutrients, anthocyanins and quercetin and flavonoids which are essential for stronger immune systems.
In addition to health benefits, Napao pointed out some of the environmental benefits of planting fruit trees.
They help maintain ecological balance by dispersing seeds, which allows plants to grow in new areas.
Fruit trees also improve air quality and lower carbon dioxide emissions, improve soil’s water-holding capacity and serve as wildlife habitats, Napao said.
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, Napao said.
Fruit trees provide raw materials for industries like canning, preservation and pharmaceuticals. And, of course, they provide a reliable source of food, especially during times of scarcity.
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, Napao said.
And for those club members interested in growing fruit trees, Napao gave some useful tips on tree management and how to get the best crop yields.*