KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF BANANA GROWERS ON GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES INPUT FOR STRATEGIC INTERVENTION

This study explored the knowledge and practices of banana growers in Flora, Apayao, regarding Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). It examined the profile, practices, problems, and solutions of 264 banana farmers using descriptive statistics. Results indicate that farmers are typically older, married, secondary-educated, and primarily engaged in farming, with substantial experience and average farm sizes of 2.02 hectares. Despite knowing about GAP, most have not attended relevant training. Farmers are organized into various local associations and engage in practices like selecting planting materials, land preparation, planting, watering, leaf trimming, harvesting, processing, and marketing. The study highlights the need for strategic interventions to enhance GAP adherence.