Aerial Spray Cycle Affects Philippine Cavendish Banana Prices in W43

The onset of the rainy season in the Philippines, from June to Q4 2022, affects the Sigatoka Leaf disease control. The Sigatoka Leaf disease control is done by doing Aerial Spray of anti-fungal chemical solution. Reducing the spray cycle to 5-7 days intervals (from 10-15 days) will add more costs to the production of a 13.5kg banana box and will result in a 30-35% price increase of Cavendish Bananas. Other factors contributing to the price increase include fuel cost and farm inputs such as fertilizer, plastic bags, and other chemicals. The FOB offer for exports in W43 is USD 9.20 per 13.5kg box of RHA (Regular Hand class A). This offer is valid until W52 of CY2022.