Durian (INQUIRER.net stock photo)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will export at least 54,000 metric tons of premium fresh durian to China this year in line with the fruit export deal signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with its Asian neighbor, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The Davao City-based Eng Seng Food Products and Belviz Farms, both private durian growers,are among those gearing for the export of Philippine durians to Chinese markets, the DA said in a statement on Wednesday.
Durian is a product in many provinces across the country, but 78% of its total harvest in 2020 was recorded in the Davao Region.
Quoting Eng Seng chief executive officer John Tan,the DA said the company was aiming to export around 300 to 500 container vans of durian this year.
Belviz Farms owner Emmanuel Belviz said the Philippines has a “very big potential in the export market, especially with our good varieties like the puyat and the duyaya varieties.”
Belviz, who also sits as president of the Durian Industry Association of Davao City (DIADC), said DIADC is already working with the national government, particularly the DA, which is concurrently led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to prepare the required documents and protocols for export.
He also noted that the agency’s regional field office had been working on a five-year development plan for the industry to improve technical support and provide quality planting materials, fertilizers, equipment, tools, and postharvest facilities.
The DA had also provided the DIADC with harvesting vehicles, reefer vans, and other tools and equipment, Belviz said.
According to the Bureau of Plant Industry, the initial export of fresh durian to China this year is seen to generate up to P8.2 billion and 10,000 jobs in the Philippines.