Mango production in Guimaras dropped
Mango production in the island province of Guimaras tremendously dropped by more than 1/3 of its total production compared in previous years. The drop in production bars the province from exporting the Guimaras mangoes to the United States and other Asian countries.
Gov. Felipe Nava said this year's mango production dropped though he could not give the specific number. Previous production showed 10 metric tons during harvest season. The effects in the decrease of the mango production was even felt during the recent Manggahan Festival, Nava said.
Guimaras mangoes is certified free of quarantine pests, mango seed weevil and mango pulp weevil. It is allowed entry in US, Australia, South Korea and other Asian countries. The export high-quality Guimaras mangoes is being sought because of its sweet taste.
Nava attributed the decrease in the mango production to the adverse weather. Mangoes bear much fruit in long summer. However, this year there is much rain and it affected the fruit bearing capability of the mango trees. The supply is only good for local consumption and sells in much higher price.
When mango production is at its peak, a kilo of mango only sells P30 per kilo. However, during the Manggahan Festival, a kilo of mango was sold at P60. It is a manifestation of less production from the different plantations, said Nava.
The decrease in the mango production automatically drops the income of the mango growers. The income of those in the mango backyard industry is also affected. Aside from the big plantations in the island, there are also Guimarasnons who are into mango backyard industry. The get money from selling mangoes produced in their own backyard.
The island, basically an agricultural province, is planted with rice, coconut and mangoes. Nava estimated that there are some 100,000 mango trees planted in the entire island.