Ilocos Norte farmers reviving cotton industry

FARMERS in the village of Lumbaan in Pinili, Ilocos Norte are increasing their cultivation of cotton, reviving a crop that had nearly disappeared from the area, which is known as a center of traditional weaving.

The resurgence is largely due to the efforts of local native Joven Cuanang, a neurologist who retired from his medical practice at St. Luke’s Hospital and two years ago convinced a few local farmers to try planting cotton seeds in addition to their staple crops such as rice, tobacco, and vegetables.