The Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) is determined to boost the production of durian in the area and expand its markets by providing its growers the good, timely, and effective agricultural practices.

The DA-13, in partnership with the Agricultural Training Institute in the area, conducted a three-day Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) among 50 durian growers in the region that culminated on Wednesday.

In a statement, DA-13 said the GAP training aims to equip the durian growers with advanced knowledge and skills in durian production.

The participants were also oriented on the exportation of their durian products as well as on the phytosanitary protocols that govern the production, marketing and export of durian products.

“The training is part of the agency’s aim of boosting the production of durian in the region and expanding its markets, DA-13 said.

The activity also served as a venue where durian growers learn new technologies as well as a full understanding of the export requirement and standards.

DA-13 Regional Executive Director Ricardo Onate Jr., in the same statement, emphasized the need for the durian growers and producers in the region to secure GAP certification.

“Through the GAP certification, our durian growers will be able to take part in the export of durian products to international markets,” Onate said.

Top 5 in durian production

Caraga Region ranked fourth in durian production in the country in 2022, data provided by the DA-13 on Wednesday.

The region produced 2,455.41 metric tons of durian during the year, following Region 12 in the third spot with 2,742 metric tons (MT) in production.

Last year, Davao Region topped the durian production with 58,649 MTs, followed by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with 6,522 MT.

Agusan del Sur province had the highest durian production in the region last year with 1,731 MT, followed by Surigao del Sur with 386.40 MT, Agusan del Norte with 334.21 MT, and Surigao del Norte with 3.80 MT. (PNA)