DOST helps Capiz mango growers
Roxas City -- The government has sent experts to help improve the mango production in Capiz.
According to Science and Technology Specialist Gerbe Dellava of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Capiz, the Science and Technology Experts Volunteer Pool Program (STEVPP) of their agency has sponsored a consultant to look into the problem of some mango growers here.
He said that Dr. Kevin Yaptengco, a post harvest consultant from the University of the Philippines through DOST's STEVPP, was here last January for a one day consultation with mango growers for the treatment of fresh mango against early deterioration.
The move is in response to the growing demand for mango in other countries like China.
Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap earlier disclosed that they expect the significant increase of sale of Philippine mangoes to China following the recent acceptance of the cheaper system for disinfection against fruit fly.
Yap said that the Extended Hot Water Treatment (EHWT), which was developed by the DA's Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) in tandem with the University of the Philippines in Los Baños (UPLB), will cut down the cost of exporting mangoes to China by at least P20 a kilo, thus spelling higher profits for Filipino exporters in the world's largest food market.
He noted that Philippine mango exports to China in 2007 reached only 634.33 metric tons, which is projected to rise significantly starting this year as a result of Beijing's approval of the EWHT technology.
The country's top mango-producing provinces are Pangasinan, which accounts for 39.5 percent of annual yields; and Batangas, which produces 6.3 percent, Yap said, adding that Luzon produces 68.8 percent of the country's fresh mangoes, followed by Mindanao at 19.5 percent and Visayas at 11.7 percent. (PIA)