At least 62 accredited durian farms in Davao region are set to supply the fruit’s premium Puyat variety to China this year, according to the regional Department of Agriculture (DA-11) office
In a press briefing, DA-11 director, Abel James Monteagudo, said that the number of local suppliers to China could double in the coming days as many durian growers signified to get their farms accredited.
In October last year, the China market for the Puyat durian variety opened after a group of Chinese representatives visited various farms in the region to evaluate good agricultural practices (GAP).
“There are probably another 62 [farms] coming because a lot of them requested GAP accreditations. They want their farms to be evaluated to see if they will pass,” Monteagudo said.
Considering China's sizable market, a substantial volume of the Puyat variety could be readily in demand.
In 2021, the volume of durian production in the Philippines was 73,867 metric tons compared to 78,815 metric tons from the previous year. During the period, the Davao region covered 78% of the total durian production.
Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea are among the top five export destinations for Philippine durian. In China alone, the Philippines is estimated to export around 52,000 metric tons of premium fresh durian.
“Around 9,696 direct jobs and 1,126 indirect jobs will be generated if Philippine durian will be allowed to be exported to China. Direct job includes additional workforce in farms that includes packaging, logistics, and other services sector,” Monteagudo added. He expects the industry to generate about US$150mn in income during the first year of trade with China.
