Base on the data of National Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory (NPGRL), about 300 edible fruit and nut species are grown in the Philippines.
Five of these are considered major fruits (banana, pineapple, citrus, papaya and mango), and these five constitute 87 percent of the country’s total area and 95 percent of the total volume of fruit production.
Dr. Lavernee Gueco, NPGRL head, said that among the 300 edible fruits and nut species, only about 30 species are considered economically important. However, these are not fully utilized.
“The country has more than a hundred endemic fruits and nut, however, none has so far become a major crop of national importance and are underutilized, underexplored or totally neglected fruits,” Gueco said.
DA-11 Director Ricardo Oñate called Davao City the country’s fruit basket and the major supplier of agri-products. It is also a major export supplier of banana, durian, and pineapple for the past five years, he added
“This forum coincides with DA’s food security plan. We are promoting not only fruits for health and food security, but also promoting fruits for income generation and integrated and sustainable rural development,” Oñate added.
Source: ptvnews.ph
