A farmer-cum-scientist from Davao del Norte province has warned banana growers on the proliferation of fake biological control agents used as a solution to combat Fusarium wilt or Panama disease. Roni Manching, who formulated the KWR Permaculture concoctions, said certain individuals from Kapalong, Davao del Norte, have been selling fake organic products to banana growers.
“They have to double-check if they purchase a concoction. They should be cautious. These people are professional in copying legit organic products,” he told the Philippine News Agency.
Manching is credited with formulating several microbial inoculants, such as the KWR super foliar feed with amino+, and KWR super plant feed with AMF. It appeared, Manching said, that the purveyors of the fake formula had tried copying his creation. “The banana farmers who knew me called my attention and asked me if those sold (fake) products were mine since they really looked like our products. They said they regretted buying it as it caused a bigger problem in their area,” Manching stated, adding that the fake products were already proliferating in various parts of Davao del Norte.
“We are ought to help the banana industry. Because of what they did, the farmers will lose their trust and think that there is no treatment for their problems in banana especially managing Fusarium wilt,” he said.
Manching said that instead of giving hope and promoting knowledge on the use of biocontrol agents, the banana farmers will get discouraged especially if they tried the fake product that has zero effect.
