China will be importing more than 5.7 million kilos of fresh durian per season
The Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) is taking the lead in strengthening the production of Grade-A durian through its Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP).
The DA has been overseeing the ongoing registration of exporters, packing facility operators, and growers of durian, with five licensed exporters, six licensed packing facility operators, and 65 registered durian growers registered in the Davao Region.
Under the DA’s Enhanced KADIWA Grant, durian growers and farmer cooperatives have also been extended financial assistance and support.
A training session for DA-BPI Plant Quarantine officers, inspectors, and other stakeholders on durian pests and diseases will also be scheduled by the DA. The training will include topics on cultural management to improve technical knowledge, further ensuring the quality of fresh durian for export to Chinese markets.
President Marcos was able to secure the signing of the Protocol of the Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Fresh Durians from the Philippines to China in January, during his three-day State Visit to China.
The demand for durian is estimated to be higher than the $150 million (P8.24 B) worth of exports during the first year of the implementation of the ‘Durian Protocol.’ China will be importing more than 5.7 million kilos of fresh durian per season.
The bilateral venture between the Philippines and China is seen to generate at least 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.
