Durian Fruit Result Inundates Davao, Philippines
Davao, Philippines is again experiencing an oversupply of durian fruit this year after it experienced a drop in production last year.
The bountiful harvest has prompted the Durian Industry Council of Davao (DICD) to look at a regular scheme on how to move the fruit to Luzon and Visayas markets.
Candelario Miculob, board of trustees of DICD and the Mindanao Fruit Industry Council (MFIC) said but this year’s production has not yet surpassed that of 2007. The supply now will last for the next two months.
He recalled that with 2007’s figure of production farm gate price was pegged at 8 Philippine Pesos (P8) and sold in the market between P18 to P20 per kilo.
The commanding farm gate price of durian now is at P18 per kilo and the fruit is sold at P30 a kilo and as high as P60 for the hybrid variety.
The Davao supply comes from Kidapawan, Davao City, Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley Province. However, other areas in Mindanao like Bukidnon are also starting to produce a good volume of the fruit.
He said based on their experience for the past five years, the durian season comes in late August, the month where Davao City celebrates the Kadayawan Festival which is a celebration of generous harvests and the rich culture and natural resources.
Miculob admitted that they had difficulty with their projection because they do not have the data and what they had been doing is just based on their individual assessment of their farm production.
He said it will really be of help if such data is available because they would be able to come up with projection as well as enhance their business through marketing and distribution.
He said with specific information the DICD can also come up with programs and projects in which they could coordinate with the government in terms of assistance to small farm producers.
Right now he said they do marketing plan based on their field production and forecast is based by individual propagation.
The durian production in Thailand, he said is already an industry and 85 percent of their production is for local consumption and the tourists and only 15 percent goes out to foreign market.
Comparing this to Davao the per capita consumption has picked up where most of the locals are already patronizing the fruit.
Meanwhile, he said what they are facing in this industry is the problem of distribution because it is concentrated in Mindanao but efforts are being done by individual planters that already have established markets.
He said they join exhibits and trade shows if only to get buyers in volume either in Manila or Cebu.
He said when they can advance the fruit to other markets there will be no oversupply and this is where the farmers are benefited because it could fetch high prices even as farm gate.
Miculob further said there is a need to elevate the durian production considering that a farm, if not properly cared for, is attacked by borer and fungus.
He said low farm maintenance would entail field losses of up to 20 percent.
On the other hand, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is aiding small and medium entrepreneurs wherein they extend technology assistance and consultancy for them to improve on their businesses.
DOST regional director for Davao Region Dr. Anthony Sales said their food processing assistance is an appropriate technology that would help address this concern because with the over supply for instance of the durian fruit, it can be processed into candies and jams and other related products.
Together with this assistance is also on packaging and label designing that will enhance the product bearing quality packaging and labels.
This article is distributed by www.Cebu-Philippines.net. An up-to-date guide to Cebu Province Philippines and the Philippines. Providing current and relevant information about visa, airlines, hotels, resorts, Philippine resorts, scuba diving, travel, health and wellness.
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