Phl mango production posts 7% growth

GLAN, Sarangani,, Philippines -   Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala announced here recently that the Philippines posted a seven percent growth in mango production in 2011 which he attributed largely to continuous flower induction in Southern Tagalog-A (Calabarzon) ,Southern Tagalog-B (Mimaropa), Central Luzon, Bicol, Ilocos and other parts of Mindanao and the Visayas.

Alcala addressed the recently concluded National Mango Congress, which focused on the theme “Posturing the Philippine Mango Strongly in the World Market,” held at the Isla Jarden del Mar Resort in this capital town.

Last year, Alcala said, the country was able to export a total of 20,115 tons of fresh mango worth at least $15.2 million, even as it further exported 36,000 tons of dried mangoes and 9,328 tons of processed mangoes.

“This enabled the country to earn a total of over $50 million from combined exports of fresh, dried and processed mangoes during the 12-month period, Alcala said, adding that despite these figures, “we still noted a shortage in supply.”

Consequently, the agriculture chief urged the nation’s mango growers and producers to plant more even as he challenged them to surpass last year’s produce.

The Department of Agriculture has strengthened its partnership with the mango industry sector especially in improving handling and transporting system.

Alcala noted the significance of last year’s congress theme which, he said, is timed relevantly with the strong demand abroad for Philippine mangoes.

At the same time, Alcala pledged to continue the DA’s continuous all-out support for the growth and development of the Philippine mango industry.

He assured the congress participants from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao that the DA would continue to intensify its assistance and sustenance for deserving programs, particularly in the establishment and rehabilitation of nurseries and, household and village processing assistance and crop improvement especially for climate change adaptability.

Alcala identified the major mango production regions in the Southern Philippines as Western Mindanao or Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga and Central Mindanao which covers South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and General Santos City.