Farmers urged to plant more durian as new markets open

DURIAN FARMER Candelario B. Miculob has called on fellow growers to expand production to sustain export markets such as Australia and the United States as well as capture others that are showing interest.  

“Exports are gaining traction based on current inquiries,” Mr. Miculob, former president of the Durian Industry Council of Davao City, said in an online interview.

He said traders from Japan and China, two of the Philippines’ top fruit export destinations, have been asking about durian supply.

He added that local demand for both fresh and frozen durian has also been increasing in the capital Manila.

“Kaya lang wala tayong (However, we do not have) supply at the moment,” he said.

He added that lower production is expected in the coming harvest season within this quarter due to high levels of rainfall in recent months.

In March, the first shipment of frozen durian arrived in Australia following an order by Melbourne-based importer, Aus Asia Produce Pty Ltd. — Maya M. Padillo