Davao City Looks Into Expanding Its Durian Production

The City Agriculturist Office (CAgro) said the Davao City local government seeks to expand its durian production due to the huge demand in China.

CAgro officer on industrial crops Dario Divino said the city is facing a “big challenge” to increase present production figures to accommodate the demand from domestic and foreign markets, especially from China.

Divino said the city is capable of durian production since the crop thrives in areas with an elevation of 800 meters above sea level and lower.

He added that the local government encourages planting “Puyat” variety due to its export potential.

“It is delicious and heavier (in weight). It is also a heavy excellent fruiter and its branches do not spread, unlike the Arancillo variety. If you have at least one hectare, you can have many trees,” Divino explained.

Based on 2021 data, at least 4,408 locals cultivate durian on 3,388 hectares of land. Similarly, they collectively harvested 12,929 metric tons.

“We have a lot of durians, but we still do our best to expand because some areas were reverted to farmers by banana plantations, and some farmer plan to plant coconut, which is advantageous because durian can be intercropped with it, more so with bananas,” Divino said.

CAgro currently provides a seedling program for durian farmers in the Baguio District in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 (Davao region).

The office encourages farmers who meet the land criteria of 800 meters above sea level and lower to coordinate with their office so they could be aided in using advanced intercropping techniques.

Additionally, CAgro will start free training on durian planting and proper management in 2023.

“The free seminars will be conducted in every district. Those who are interested may come to our offices located in different districts of Davao City,” Divino said.

Source: Philstar