DTI seeks $10-M grant for RP’s mango industry

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is supporting local mango growers’ aim to further improve the quality of their produce.

The DTI is currently facilitating the grant by the United States of a $10 million irradiation facility to the country.

This facility would significantly increase the export of Philippine mangoes and other tropical fruits and vegetables to the US.

Trade Undersecretary Thomas Aquino said the irradiation facility, if approved by the US, would allow the domestic agriculture sector to conduct its own irradiation treatment on the country’s fruits and vegetables.

Irradiation involves phytosanitary measures required by the US in exporting commodities to their ports.

The Philippines is the fifth largest world producer of mangoes with approximately 0.85 million metric tons of produce from about 130,000 hectares of agricultural land. It is also the sixth top exporter of mangoes to the world, sharing about nine per cent of the world market that is valued at around $34 million in 2000.

Exports of mangoes to the international market increased by 1.65 percent to $30.175 million in the first 11 months of 2004 from only $29.684 million for the same period in 2003.

Exports to Japan amounted to $18.273 million, to Hong Kong, $7.003 million, to South Korea, $1.692 million and to China, $639,414.

The Philippines expects to corner about $70 million worth of mango exports in the international market. At present, Mexico dominates the export market.