Philippines dragon-fruit growers prepare for export markets

Dragon-fruit farmers in the Philippine province of Nueva Vizcaya are being prepared to meet the requirements of export markets through a new initiative led by the Department of Agriculture's Regional Field Office No. 2.

More than 30 growers participated in a discussion to assess the industry's current situation, production challenges, plans for expanding cultivation and potential market opportunities.

According to preliminary data from the department and local government units, Alfonso Castañeda has 149 hectares planted with dragon fruit, while Kasibu accounts for another 77.1 hectares.

The initiative includes plans to organise farmer associations, register producers in the national agricultural registry, and support Good Agricultural Practices certification. These steps are intended to improve product quality, strengthen market connections and prepare growers to meet the requirements of international buyers.

The department said the findings would help identify the support needed to develop the sector and improve farmers' access to export opportunities.

source: cagayanvalley.da.gov.ph

photo: guimaras.gov.ph