BACOLOD City – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is surveying potential areas in Negros Occidental for durian cultivation.
It is also evaluating farmers’ interest in cultivating durian, revealed Dr. Dina Genzola, chief of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).
Durian, known as the “king of fruits,” was once a prominent product of Negros Occidental. The province even exported durian fruits to other countries, Genzola noted.
However, over the years durian cultivation declined, with many farmers switching their plantations to sugarcane fields.
The provincial government previously stated its intention to study durian production. This initiative is part of a broader plan to revive and boost interest in its cultivation, as durian is seen as a product that can aid local farmers.
In the Philippines, the Davao region is renowned for its durian production. In 2021, it accounted for 78 percent of the country’s durian output, exporting to nations such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea. Since 2014, the Philippines has been listed among the top 10 global durian suppliers.
P855-M Agricultural Fund
In related news, Negros Occidental recently received a P855 million fund from DA Region 6 to enhance its agricultural sector. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson explained that the majority of this fund is allocated for the rice program. It aims to support farmers in cultivation activities and in constructing farm-to-market roads to ease the transportation of agricultural products.
Governor Lacson expressed optimism that this funding would significantly aid in improving rice production, which currently stands at 4.5 tons per hectare. He has set a goal to increase this to six tons per hectare.
Furthermore, Lacson announced that DA-6 Director Dennis Arpia will be stationed in the province monthly to oversee the implementation of these projects. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
