DAVAO CITY - The Philippine durian industry is thrilled to have gained access to the Chinese market but there is still a way to go until it can make the most of the potential on offer, according to a report by the Asia Fruit citing the Manila Bulletin.
The report said growers from key production region
Davao are eager to start servicing the market and believe it will bring
benefits to many.
“This is really a big step for durian farmers.
Hopefully, because of this market, it will open the doors to help simple
backyard durian farmers,” said Emmanuel Belvis, the president of the Durian
Industry Association of Davao City.
Asia Fruit reported that the higher prices on offer
in China will be welcomed by an industry that is facing increasing prices for
agricultural inputs. Additionally, some in the industry will need to improve
farming practices and phytosanitary standards and attain PhilGAP (Good
Agricultural Practice) certification.
“We hope that the government – the Department of
Agriculture and the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and
Natural Resources Research and Development will train durian plantation owners
and packaging factories to study Chinese food standards; and also train the
farmers on planting technique, using fertiliser, preventing tree disease, etc,”
said Henry Lim Bon Liong, president of the Federation Of Filipino Chinese
Chambers Of Commerce and Industry. (Liam O'Callaghan, Mindanao Examiner)
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