During the visit of President Marcos to China, officials signed the “Protocol of the Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Fresh Durians from the Philippines to China,” which opens a huge market for Philippine durian growers.
Durian growers of the Davao region are delighted to have the opportunity of having their durian be exported to China. It is forecasted that there is a need to produce 54,000 tons of durian for the first year of the signing of the agreement amounting to $150 million. To meet the demand of the Chinese market, expansion of durian production was already mandated in the Davao region.
However, the high price of agricultural inputs like fertilizers still burdens durian farmers. Aside from that, farmers should meet the strict standard of the international market. Durian farmers need to improve their farming practices to pass the phytosanitary requirements.
Farmers should also have BPI-accredited packing plant partners. Then finally, the products should pass the China Inspection and Quarantine and General Administration of Chinese Customs (GACC).
Source: mb.com.ph
