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Mindanao mango industry bats for year-round production


The mango industry in Mindanao wants to highlight the potential of southern Philippines for off-season production in the upcoming 13th National Mango Congress later this month. "We would like to highlight this sub-region, especially Sarangani, as a viable location for off-season mango production," said Fred Dumasis, president of the Sarangani Federation of Fruit Industry Associations Inc. — lead organizer of the congress. Dumasis said Mindanao is ideal of year-round, typhoon-free production due to its "contiguous production areas and agro-climatic conditions," especially in the southern part of the region. According to industry group Mindanao Fruit Industry Council (MinFruit), Luzon still accounts for 64 percent of Philippine mango production, compared with Mindanao's 23 percent. There are stable investment opportunities in the mango industry support services, such as hot-water treatment, vapor heat treatment plants and packing houses, Dumasis pointed out. The September 28-30 congress will provide updates on export market requirements, the latest in production technologies, as well as best production practices. Around 500 mango growers, processors, exporters and ancillary service providers are expected to attend the congress in Sarangani Province, an emerging mango producer in southern Mindanao. Hong Kong and Japan are the biggest buyers of Philippine mangoes, accounting for 51 percent and 31 percent respectively, according to MinFruit data. Philippine mangoes are also exported to China, Singapore, South Korea and United States. — JMT/VS, GMA News

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