He said the city has approved three importers from China and Davaoeños from abroad who buy durian here, extract durian flesh with the seed and blast freeze then vacuum it before transporting it to other countries.
“With the process the durian can be kept for two years with proper management,” Divino said, adding that the blast freezing keeps the sugar content of durian intact.”
Divino said the planting of the “Puyat” variety is being encouraged because of its export potential.
“It is delicious and heavier and it is also a heavy excellent fruiter, and its branches do not spread unlike the Arancillo variety that is why if you have at least one hectare you can have many trees,” Divino said in a report from the City Information Office.
Based on the 2021 data, a total of 4,408 farmers have planted durian as a crop. The physical area planted runs a total of 3,388.65 hectares and the total area harvested according to the 2021 data consists of 2,176.32 hectares with a total harvest of 12,929.63 metric tons.
“We have a lot of durian but we still do our best to expand because some areas were reverted to farmers by banana plantations and some farmers plan to plant coconut, which is advantageous because durian can be intercropped with it, and even with bananas, with good management,” he said.
Divino further said that the city is conducive for durian production because the crop thrives in areas with elevation of 800 meters above sea level and lower.
He said the city in partnership with the Department of Agriculture has a program for durian farmers in Baguio District where farmers are given durian seedlings.
Divino encouraged those farmers who have open areas located 800 meters above sea level and lower to coordinate with their office and ask about the intercropping technology.
According to Divino, by next year the city will start with its free training on durian planting and its proper management as well.
Photo from Triple Farms