Pest infestation, climatic change affect Guimaras mango production
A new batch of pests and climatic change have greatly affected the mango industry in the island province of Guimaras. Governor Felipe Nava said for the past four years, mango industry suffered a slump with the town of Nueva Valencia first feeling its effects.
Nava said a scientific study is currently conducted to stop the infestation. “It is a kind of pest that is prevalent locally but it could not be determined yet on when the pest originated,” the governor said.
He said the scientific study is being made by the National Mango Research Development Council (NMRDC) to stop the infestation before the mango industry in the province would collapse.
Nava made clear that the pest affecting the mango industry at present is not a mango seed weevil. He failed to identify the specific pest but Nava said it should not cause alarm particularly in the international market.
Guimaras mangoes are certified free of quarantine pests, mango seed weevil and mango pulp weevil. It is allowed entry in the United States, Australia, South Korea and other Asian countries. The export high-quality Guimaras mangoes are being sought because of its sweet taste.
Aside from the pest infestation, the climatic change also contributed in the decrease of mango production. The pest infestation and the adverse weather condition have already affected several mango farms in the town of Nueva Valencia, said Nava.
The municipality of Nueva Valencia is considered as top producers of mangoes in the province. Nevertheless, the province is hoping to maintain the production of eight metric tons to nine metric tons this year. Previously, the province has recorded a total production of 12 MT. It dropped to 8 metric tons, said Nava.
The governor said the decrease in the mango production has greatly affected the mango growers. He said he met with those involved in the mango industry on the outcome of the infestation and climatic change. The rains that occurred in the months of January and February contributed to less production. The province will have a better view of the mango production come June and July, said Nava.