Region 2 pushing durian production expansion
THROUGH the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Regional 2 (Cagayan Valley) office has resolved to expand the durian industry in the region after attending the first-ever Philippine Asia Durian Summit in Davao City.
HVCDP focal person Carol Albay said the Cagayan Valley region as of 2022 has approximately 4 hectares of durian that yield 45.4 metric tons (MT) of the fruit annually.
“This year, a total of 8,000 pieces of durian planting materials will be distributed, covering 80 hectares in the region,” she said.
The delegation from the Department of Agriculture-Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) office to the Philippine Asia Durian Summit in Davao City tours packing houses for the fruit, which is now being exported to China. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Albay added that in the next five years, the DA has plans to expand durian plantation in the country to 50,000 hectares with the Cagayan Valley region as one of the target expansion areas.
The Cagayan Valley region comprises the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and the island province of Batanes.
The DA-Region 2 delegation, through HVCDP, attended the first-ever Philippine Asia Durian Summit with the theme “Cultivation, Innovation, Collaboration,” held at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier in Davao City from October 25 to 28, 2023.
She explained that the Durian Summit held in Davao City was “an inaugural event envisioned to be a space for the sharing of voices, insights, local and international durian experts and enthusiasts outlook, collaboration and fostering partnership in the sector.”
“It also aims to increase awareness of the increasing demand for durian in the international market,” Albay added.
Citing the still-increasing market demand for durian in China, Albay said the Davao Region is currently exporting 3,481 MT of fresh durian to the Asian country.
“China also exports fresh and frozen durian to Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Thailand and the United States,” she said.
The delegation from Cagayan Valley was also given a tour showcasing the different varieties of durian, packing houses, the best farm practices and techniques, and postharvest management systems.
