Philippines Can Now Export Mangoes to China

Mango growers in the Philippines expressed appreciation of Beijing's approval for the export of Philippine fruits to China.

Agriculture Secretary disclosed that Beijing has given the go signal for eight Philippine companies to export mangoes to China starting this month.

The positive move is expected to benefit the country's 2.5 million growers of mango which is a premier tropical fruit export, he said.

Yap stressed that the Department of Agriculture's (DA) sustained efforts to open more markets overseas for Philippine farm produce is in step with President Arroyo's goal.

Mango is among the Philippines' top exports to China, which accounts for about 80% of total overseas sales of this tropical fruit.

DA data show that around 500,000 metric tons of mangoes of the total 800,000 MT of annual production will be harvested during these peak months of March and April.

Early this year, the government sent experts to help improve the mango production in Capiz.

Through the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) Science and Technology Experts Volunteer Pool Program (STEVPP), a consultant was sent here to look into the problem of some mango growers in the province.

The treatment of fresh mango against early deterioration, which is part of the post harvest packaging, aside from improving mango production here, was the focus of consultation with Capiceño mango growers.

Meanwhile, Yap said that Beijing's move would further strengthen existing bilateral ties between the two countries. (PIA)--- By Jemin B. Guillermo