An extract derived from a West African fruit may help overweight people shed pounds and lower their cholesterol, a new study suggests.
The extract comes from Irvingia gabonensis, also known as African mango, a fruit commonly eaten in West Africa. Lab research has shown that extracts from the plant's seed may inhibit body fat production, through effects on certain genes and enzymes that regulate metabolism.
For the current study, researchers at the University of Yaounde in Cameroon randomly assigned 102 overweight adults to take either the plant extract or a placebo twice a day for 10 weeks. The study participants did not follow any special diet and were told to maintain their normal exercise levels.
By the end of the study, the extract group had lost a significant amount of weight -- an average of roughly 28 pounds -- while the placebo group showed almost no change.
At the same time, they showed declines in "bad" LDL cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Dr. Julius E. Oben and his colleagues report the findings in the online journal Lipids in Health and Disease. The Fairfield, California- based Gateway Health Alliances, Inc. supplied the Irvingia gabonensis extract and partially funded the research.
The study is the first well-controlled clinical trial of the extract's effectiveness as a weight-loss aid, the researchers note. But the findings, they write, suggest that Irvingia gabonensis could offer a "useful tool" for battling the growing worldwide problem of obesity and its related ills.
A few patients on the extract reported side effects, including headaches, sleep problems and gas, but the rates were similar in the placebo group.
The findings, Oben's team concludes, should "provide impetus for much larger clinical studies."
Source: reuters.com
Publication date: 3/24/2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Kenya: Diseases cost fruit farmers Sh130 million
Mango farmers in Malindi District have lost Sh130 million in two years following refusal by exporters to buy their produce because of mango weevil, fruit fly and other diseases.
The agricultural business coordinator for Malindi and Tana River districts, Mr Genya Nyale Genya, said the companies were now doing business in Eastern Province where the fruits had not been affected.
World market
“The fruits here were affected by mango weevil, fruit fly and other diseases, making the produce uncompetitive on the world market,” he said.
East African Growers, Mzuri Exporters, Jakal Exporters and Wakashe Exporters are some of the companies that are no longer buying the fruit.
“As a result, the Malindi Farmers Association, which was started in 1959 and exported fruits to Europe, collapsed and farmers are losing Sh64 million a year,” said Mr Genya.
Addressing a farmers’ open day at Barani Secondary School, Mr Genya said all hope was not lost as the government had launched a recovery programme in the area.
He said the programme includes educating farmers on the best fruits to grow and the type of chemicals and fertilisers to use.
Source: nation.co.ke
The agricultural business coordinator for Malindi and Tana River districts, Mr Genya Nyale Genya, said the companies were now doing business in Eastern Province where the fruits had not been affected.
World market
“The fruits here were affected by mango weevil, fruit fly and other diseases, making the produce uncompetitive on the world market,” he said.
East African Growers, Mzuri Exporters, Jakal Exporters and Wakashe Exporters are some of the companies that are no longer buying the fruit.
“As a result, the Malindi Farmers Association, which was started in 1959 and exported fruits to Europe, collapsed and farmers are losing Sh64 million a year,” said Mr Genya.
Addressing a farmers’ open day at Barani Secondary School, Mr Genya said all hope was not lost as the government had launched a recovery programme in the area.
He said the programme includes educating farmers on the best fruits to grow and the type of chemicals and fertilisers to use.
Source: nation.co.ke
Friday, March 20, 2009
Philippines: Mango growers eye direct exportation
Independent mango growers are urged to band together to export their products directly and eliminate unscrupulous traders that created only the thick layer of middlemen in the mango production industry.
Rene Florencio, director of Philippine Mango Industry Foundation Inc. and National Mango Action Team, told Business Bulletin that the country’s export potential has remained untapped because it becomes very expensive before it gets to the targeted destination.
According to Florencio, there are at least 9 channels of distribution before the mangoes could reach their intended market.
"We should eliminate the middle men because unscrupulous traders abound in this industry victimizing the poor mango farmer," Florencio said.
"Mango farmers should unite to dictate the price and not the middle men," he said. There are an estimated 2.5 million mango farmers in the country
Source: mb.com.ph
Publication date: 3/20/2009
Rene Florencio, director of Philippine Mango Industry Foundation Inc. and National Mango Action Team, told Business Bulletin that the country’s export potential has remained untapped because it becomes very expensive before it gets to the targeted destination.
According to Florencio, there are at least 9 channels of distribution before the mangoes could reach their intended market.
"We should eliminate the middle men because unscrupulous traders abound in this industry victimizing the poor mango farmer," Florencio said.
"Mango farmers should unite to dictate the price and not the middle men," he said. There are an estimated 2.5 million mango farmers in the country
Source: mb.com.ph
Publication date: 3/20/2009
Philippines: Mango production shortage expected in Pangasinan
Mango production in Pangasinan is expected to drop this year and as a result, prices are set to skyrocket, after harvests were crippled by a typhoon that hit last year.
Pangasinan is one of the top producers of mango in the country but the industry was severely affected by Typhoon Cosme which hit the province in May 2008.
The Department of Agriculture estimated damages to century-old mango trees at about P1 billion adding that it will take years to recover the loss.
Local manufacturers of dried mangos have asked for help from the government to mitigate the possible shortage.
The provincial agriculture office, meanwhile, vowed to help by giving trainings to help address the problem.
Source: abs-cbnnews.com
Publication date: 3/20/2009
Pangasinan is one of the top producers of mango in the country but the industry was severely affected by Typhoon Cosme which hit the province in May 2008.
The Department of Agriculture estimated damages to century-old mango trees at about P1 billion adding that it will take years to recover the loss.
Local manufacturers of dried mangos have asked for help from the government to mitigate the possible shortage.
The provincial agriculture office, meanwhile, vowed to help by giving trainings to help address the problem.
Source: abs-cbnnews.com
Publication date: 3/20/2009
National Mango Board Expands Online Marketing Efforts
Widgets, Social Networking and Web Site Improvements May Yield Big Results
The National Mango Board (NMB) continues to build a strong digital foundation to increase its online presence. By making constant updates to the mango.org Web site, delving further into social media platforms and embracing viral elements, the NMB has made it even easier for consumers, retailers, foodservice, media and industry members to have access to the latest mango information.
Viral Elements and Social Networking
In order to keep mangos top-of-mind, the NMB has created two widgets that mango fans can add to their MySpace and Facebook pages or place on their own blogs or Web sites. First up is a game widget, the Jango Mango Match Game, where players click to flip over cards and find all the matching pairs. “Our research revealed that women 25-54 are the biggest fans of casual online games, so we wanted to give them a fun pastime game that would also invite them to check out our mango recipes after each play,” said Wendy McManus, marketing director for the NMB. The Jango Mango Match Game is a great complement to the more in-depth Jango Geography game for kids, which was rolled out last fall. For recipe aficionados, the NMB has developed a mango recipe widget, which features several delicious mango recipes and automatically displays each new recipe at a time as the NMB adds a new recipe to its database.
To help get the word out about mangos, the NMB utilizes MySpace, Facebook and even YouTube in addition to its own mango.org Web site to interact with consumers and make mangos more accessible. The NMB’s mascot, Jango Mango, has a profile on MySpace as well as a fan page on Facebook. The NMB is also the administrator for the Facebook group, “Mango.org Recipes and Events” which serves up all the latest NMB news to group members. On YouTube, The NMB has its own channel with lots of entertaining and educational videos. The “How to cut a mango” video featuring “The Mango Man” Chef Allen Susser is the most popular video on the channel, indicating that consumers are hungry for practical information about how to use mangos in their own kitchens.
Mango.org For Consumers
The NMB has made several recent improvements to its mango.org Web site, and special pages are planned for every season and event coming up in its 2009 marketing program. During the winter holidays, the NMB showed consumers how to use mangos in their holiday centerpieces and in seasonal recipes with the Holiday Entertaining page. For Valentine’s Day, Ingrid Hoffmann of Simply Delicioso shared her favorite romantic mango recipes, including a video demonstration of her “I Heart” Mango Tart as part of the Love Your Mango program. And, the March Mango Madness recipes are featured on the site to help basketball fans make their party food a slam dunk with mangos.
For kids, the NMB is bringing back the Rising Mango Star Video Contest where young chefs ages 8-14 upload their mango recipe demonstration video to YouTube for a chance to win a trip to the finalists’ cook-off for the title of “Rising Mango Star”.
Mango.org For The Trade
The NMB has also expanded digital tools available to retailers, including the Mango Marketing Toolkit, which is available online at mango.org/graphics. This great resource gives retailers access to POS materials, logos, images, recipes, nutrition info and marketing messages to help them move mangos. Also available on the site is the NMB’s Mango Crop Forecast, which is designed to anticipate mango volumes in the United States and track recent pricing history.
The NMB recently improved and expanded the foodservice section of mango.org to include selecting, ripening and storage information for mangos specific to the foodservice industry. The section also teaches how to cut a mango at foodservice for the highest yield and education on the different ripeness levels of mangos to complement different dishes and preparations.
For mango producers and shippers, the NMB has beefed up the industry section of mango.org, which now includes a tools and resources section, both in English and Spanish. This section provides links to over 50 different Web pages, including produce organizations, government agencies and research universities where mango industry members can find helpful information. “Through the tools and resources page, my goal is for mango.org to become a clearinghouse of information that can help mango industry members in every phase of their business,” said William Watson, NMB executive director.
Through these continued updates and improvements to their Web site and its online presence, the NMB is using this efficient medium for maximum impact. The internet is an ideal venue for educating consumers, retailers, foodservice and mango industry members and keeping mangos top-of-mind.
Contact:
www.mango.org
Publication date: 3/20/2009
The National Mango Board (NMB) continues to build a strong digital foundation to increase its online presence. By making constant updates to the mango.org Web site, delving further into social media platforms and embracing viral elements, the NMB has made it even easier for consumers, retailers, foodservice, media and industry members to have access to the latest mango information.
Viral Elements and Social Networking
In order to keep mangos top-of-mind, the NMB has created two widgets that mango fans can add to their MySpace and Facebook pages or place on their own blogs or Web sites. First up is a game widget, the Jango Mango Match Game, where players click to flip over cards and find all the matching pairs. “Our research revealed that women 25-54 are the biggest fans of casual online games, so we wanted to give them a fun pastime game that would also invite them to check out our mango recipes after each play,” said Wendy McManus, marketing director for the NMB. The Jango Mango Match Game is a great complement to the more in-depth Jango Geography game for kids, which was rolled out last fall. For recipe aficionados, the NMB has developed a mango recipe widget, which features several delicious mango recipes and automatically displays each new recipe at a time as the NMB adds a new recipe to its database.
To help get the word out about mangos, the NMB utilizes MySpace, Facebook and even YouTube in addition to its own mango.org Web site to interact with consumers and make mangos more accessible. The NMB’s mascot, Jango Mango, has a profile on MySpace as well as a fan page on Facebook. The NMB is also the administrator for the Facebook group, “Mango.org Recipes and Events” which serves up all the latest NMB news to group members. On YouTube, The NMB has its own channel with lots of entertaining and educational videos. The “How to cut a mango” video featuring “The Mango Man” Chef Allen Susser is the most popular video on the channel, indicating that consumers are hungry for practical information about how to use mangos in their own kitchens.
Mango.org For Consumers
The NMB has made several recent improvements to its mango.org Web site, and special pages are planned for every season and event coming up in its 2009 marketing program. During the winter holidays, the NMB showed consumers how to use mangos in their holiday centerpieces and in seasonal recipes with the Holiday Entertaining page. For Valentine’s Day, Ingrid Hoffmann of Simply Delicioso shared her favorite romantic mango recipes, including a video demonstration of her “I Heart” Mango Tart as part of the Love Your Mango program. And, the March Mango Madness recipes are featured on the site to help basketball fans make their party food a slam dunk with mangos.
For kids, the NMB is bringing back the Rising Mango Star Video Contest where young chefs ages 8-14 upload their mango recipe demonstration video to YouTube for a chance to win a trip to the finalists’ cook-off for the title of “Rising Mango Star”.
Mango.org For The Trade
The NMB has also expanded digital tools available to retailers, including the Mango Marketing Toolkit, which is available online at mango.org/graphics. This great resource gives retailers access to POS materials, logos, images, recipes, nutrition info and marketing messages to help them move mangos. Also available on the site is the NMB’s Mango Crop Forecast, which is designed to anticipate mango volumes in the United States and track recent pricing history.
The NMB recently improved and expanded the foodservice section of mango.org to include selecting, ripening and storage information for mangos specific to the foodservice industry. The section also teaches how to cut a mango at foodservice for the highest yield and education on the different ripeness levels of mangos to complement different dishes and preparations.
For mango producers and shippers, the NMB has beefed up the industry section of mango.org, which now includes a tools and resources section, both in English and Spanish. This section provides links to over 50 different Web pages, including produce organizations, government agencies and research universities where mango industry members can find helpful information. “Through the tools and resources page, my goal is for mango.org to become a clearinghouse of information that can help mango industry members in every phase of their business,” said William Watson, NMB executive director.
Through these continued updates and improvements to their Web site and its online presence, the NMB is using this efficient medium for maximum impact. The internet is an ideal venue for educating consumers, retailers, foodservice and mango industry members and keeping mangos top-of-mind.
Contact:
www.mango.org
Publication date: 3/20/2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
India exported 143mt mangoes to US in 2008
India exported around 143 metric tonnes of mangoes to the US during 2008 valued at Rupees two crores, ending 18 years of US ban on the import of the fruit.
According to Commerce Ministry sources, the low offtake was a result of low quality of the fruit due to unseasonal rains. The 2009 mango season is yet to commence.
The limited facility for treatment of mangoes for irradiation for export to the US, high cost of compliance with the pre-clearence, high airfreight costs, huge funds required for promotion programmes, stiff competition from countries like Mexico and Brazil are the hurdles for export of mangoes to the US, the sources said.
The Government has been coordinating with the export promotion agencies such as Agricultural Product Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Export Inspection Council (EIC) by providing necessary technical inputs and financial assistance.
The APEDA through its schemes for infrastructure development, quality development, market development and schemes for research and development (R&D) has been making efforts to gain market access for fruit and vegetables, including mangoes.
The US has allowed the imports of Indian mangoes to its country after both sides agreed to an Operational Work Plan, according to which US Department of Agriculture deputes its inspectors to India during the mango season to oversee the complete operation of mango exports, sources said.
Source: New kerala
Publication date: 3/16/200
According to Commerce Ministry sources, the low offtake was a result of low quality of the fruit due to unseasonal rains. The 2009 mango season is yet to commence.
The limited facility for treatment of mangoes for irradiation for export to the US, high cost of compliance with the pre-clearence, high airfreight costs, huge funds required for promotion programmes, stiff competition from countries like Mexico and Brazil are the hurdles for export of mangoes to the US, the sources said.
The Government has been coordinating with the export promotion agencies such as Agricultural Product Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Export Inspection Council (EIC) by providing necessary technical inputs and financial assistance.
The APEDA through its schemes for infrastructure development, quality development, market development and schemes for research and development (R&D) has been making efforts to gain market access for fruit and vegetables, including mangoes.
The US has allowed the imports of Indian mangoes to its country after both sides agreed to an Operational Work Plan, according to which US Department of Agriculture deputes its inspectors to India during the mango season to oversee the complete operation of mango exports, sources said.
Source: New kerala
Publication date: 3/16/200
India: Technology gives hopes to increase in mango yield
You are out in the lush green mango orchards plucking the fruit from a full-grown tree which is shorter than you are.
Thanks to modern technology and research, it is now possible to have 'draw-fed mango trees' of six to seven feet height which would not only allow you to have access to the fruit directly, but would also increase its yield.
One such technique is Ultra High Density Plantation (UDHP) which is currently being adapted and further researched by Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd in their field-laboratory in Elaymuthir in Udumalpet.
Change in cultivation pattern, clubbed with proper drip irrigation and fertilisers would help India further consolidate its position as world leaders in mango production and export, Dr P Soman, Vice-President, Jain Irrigation, said.
In UDHP, the spacing between two mango trees and row is drastically brought down from the traditional 10m X 10m to 3m X 2m and even 3m X 1m.
"This not only allows us to grow more trees per acre, but also increases the produce manifold," he said.
Source: hindu.com
Publication date: 3/16/2009
Thanks to modern technology and research, it is now possible to have 'draw-fed mango trees' of six to seven feet height which would not only allow you to have access to the fruit directly, but would also increase its yield.
One such technique is Ultra High Density Plantation (UDHP) which is currently being adapted and further researched by Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd in their field-laboratory in Elaymuthir in Udumalpet.
Change in cultivation pattern, clubbed with proper drip irrigation and fertilisers would help India further consolidate its position as world leaders in mango production and export, Dr P Soman, Vice-President, Jain Irrigation, said.
In UDHP, the spacing between two mango trees and row is drastically brought down from the traditional 10m X 10m to 3m X 2m and even 3m X 1m.
"This not only allows us to grow more trees per acre, but also increases the produce manifold," he said.
Source: hindu.com
Publication date: 3/16/2009
Australia: Fruit-drying plant fills export niche
Nine years ago, Rod Linnett was a Gin Gin grower of mangoes, reaping between 150 and 200 tonnes annually.
Today, as owner of McIlwraith Orchards, he is a producer and exporter of high-quality dried fruits and vegetables, sold nationally and exported to Japan.
“We set up our operation to take low-grade produce that basically was not acceptable as fresh to market, and value-add to it,” said Mr Linnett of his air-drying plant, which he established in 2000 at a cost of $500,000.
“The plant was designed to do a tonne of produce a week.”
Mr Linnett and his wife, Margaret, are among many in the Bundaberg region agri-business who are continuing to see steady growth despite the global economic crisis.
They are happy with the way things are going at their McIlwraith Road plant, having seen their range of dried product expand from mango to strawberries, pineapples, tomatoes and bananas.
All except the bananas come from local growers, and Mr Linnett also provides employment to up to half a dozen semi-permanent casual workers.
“There's a fair bit of expertise in the work,” Mr Linnett said.
They transport the finished produce using fruit and vegetable carriers, and the exports to Japan are frozen and taken in cold storage to Sydney for shipping.
The question now is to expand or not to expand.
“We're probably working to capacity at the moment,” he said.
“We have got to make the decision to make the big step and therefore expand our range.”
The decision in 2000 to diversify was made because the Linnett's felt the mango market was over-subscribed.
“We thought, we've got around 4000 too many mango trees and we could see there wasn't much of a future for us in fresh mangoes,” he said
“I don't have fears (about the future) in the economic climate because our product is generally aimed at the top end of the market,” Mr Linnett said.
Source: news-mail.com.au
Publication date: 3/16/2009
Today, as owner of McIlwraith Orchards, he is a producer and exporter of high-quality dried fruits and vegetables, sold nationally and exported to Japan.
“We set up our operation to take low-grade produce that basically was not acceptable as fresh to market, and value-add to it,” said Mr Linnett of his air-drying plant, which he established in 2000 at a cost of $500,000.
“The plant was designed to do a tonne of produce a week.”
Mr Linnett and his wife, Margaret, are among many in the Bundaberg region agri-business who are continuing to see steady growth despite the global economic crisis.
They are happy with the way things are going at their McIlwraith Road plant, having seen their range of dried product expand from mango to strawberries, pineapples, tomatoes and bananas.
All except the bananas come from local growers, and Mr Linnett also provides employment to up to half a dozen semi-permanent casual workers.
“There's a fair bit of expertise in the work,” Mr Linnett said.
They transport the finished produce using fruit and vegetable carriers, and the exports to Japan are frozen and taken in cold storage to Sydney for shipping.
The question now is to expand or not to expand.
“We're probably working to capacity at the moment,” he said.
“We have got to make the decision to make the big step and therefore expand our range.”
The decision in 2000 to diversify was made because the Linnett's felt the mango market was over-subscribed.
“We thought, we've got around 4000 too many mango trees and we could see there wasn't much of a future for us in fresh mangoes,” he said
“I don't have fears (about the future) in the economic climate because our product is generally aimed at the top end of the market,” Mr Linnett said.
Source: news-mail.com.au
Publication date: 3/16/2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Mali : inauguration d'un centre de conditionnement des mangues
2009-03-06 07:42:33
DAKAR, 5 mars (Xinhua) -- Le président malien Amadou Toumani Touré vient d'inaugurer, dans la zone aéroportuaire de Bamako- Sénou, un centre de conditionnement et de refroidissement des légumes et mangues dénommé "Périmètre logistique aménagé en zone aéroportuaire" (PLAZA), a-t-on appris jeudi de source proche du ministère malien de l'Economie, de l'Industrie et du Commerce.
Réalisé avec l'appui financier de la coopération néerlandaise, le PLAZA, qui a coûté 768,2 millions de francs CFA (près de de 200 millions de dollars), est doté d'une capacité globale de traitement annuel de 3.000 tonnes de mangues par compagne de 120 jours et de 700 tonnes de haricot vert, précise l'Agence de presse panafricaine.
L'infrastructure bénéficiera bientôt du Programme de compétitive et de diversification de la Banque mondiale (PCDA) d'un financement et d'activités de mise à niveau et de modernisation de 600 millions de FCFA.
Le financement portera sur l'acquisition d'une chaîne mécanisée, l'extension de travaux complémentaires de Géni civil, l'appui à la gestion opérationnelle et le renforcement des capacités de la " Task-force" et des acteurs de la filière mangue.
DAKAR, 5 mars (Xinhua) -- Le président malien Amadou Toumani Touré vient d'inaugurer, dans la zone aéroportuaire de Bamako- Sénou, un centre de conditionnement et de refroidissement des légumes et mangues dénommé "Périmètre logistique aménagé en zone aéroportuaire" (PLAZA), a-t-on appris jeudi de source proche du ministère malien de l'Economie, de l'Industrie et du Commerce.
Réalisé avec l'appui financier de la coopération néerlandaise, le PLAZA, qui a coûté 768,2 millions de francs CFA (près de de 200 millions de dollars), est doté d'une capacité globale de traitement annuel de 3.000 tonnes de mangues par compagne de 120 jours et de 700 tonnes de haricot vert, précise l'Agence de presse panafricaine.
L'infrastructure bénéficiera bientôt du Programme de compétitive et de diversification de la Banque mondiale (PCDA) d'un financement et d'activités de mise à niveau et de modernisation de 600 millions de FCFA.
Le financement portera sur l'acquisition d'une chaîne mécanisée, l'extension de travaux complémentaires de Géni civil, l'appui à la gestion opérationnelle et le renforcement des capacités de la " Task-force" et des acteurs de la filière mangue.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
India: Project for mango
A number of schemes for development of the mango fruit had started with big promises but without any result. Malihabad of Lucknow has its own history with number of tales related to mangoes, which has its own market. MP also has a number mangoes species in Panchmari forest but it is living in its unknownity. Dr. Parsai, a known agriculture scientist, once enhanced the quality of mangoes by grafting, which now seems no where.
There has been no presence of mango in market named after 'Panchmarhi'. Later, administration had set up Agro industries Corporation over thousand acre of land in Babai area for the development of mangoes which also proved to be a futile effort. There is no market where we hear that mangoes have come from 'Babai'. Once this issue was also raised in the assembly. The agriculture Minister of that time, Subhash Yadav, had joked saying that the Corporation itself sold its mangoes at its own stalls. The approach was completely impractical, that's why it met with same fate what earlier claims met. Now, the administration is looking for the privatisation of the mango farm.
There is another news which gives glaring dimension to the identity of Bhopal. Government has planned to develop Bhopal as a Mango hub and also start working on it. the State's first mango hub is being developed in Berasia tehsil, under 67 villages. It is a plan of five years in which 'dashari' and 'chausa' mangoes are being developed, which will also be exported to foreign countries. Its hybrid quality will come to market in the next three years. There have been plans to train farmers, plant one-lakh trees and to tread of grafting mangoes species, and to form the 'Farmer Federation' in next five years. It is hoped that this ambitious plan would not meet the same fate as met by earlier projects at Panchmarhi and Babai.
Source: centralchronicle.com
There has been no presence of mango in market named after 'Panchmarhi'. Later, administration had set up Agro industries Corporation over thousand acre of land in Babai area for the development of mangoes which also proved to be a futile effort. There is no market where we hear that mangoes have come from 'Babai'. Once this issue was also raised in the assembly. The agriculture Minister of that time, Subhash Yadav, had joked saying that the Corporation itself sold its mangoes at its own stalls. The approach was completely impractical, that's why it met with same fate what earlier claims met. Now, the administration is looking for the privatisation of the mango farm.
There is another news which gives glaring dimension to the identity of Bhopal. Government has planned to develop Bhopal as a Mango hub and also start working on it. the State's first mango hub is being developed in Berasia tehsil, under 67 villages. It is a plan of five years in which 'dashari' and 'chausa' mangoes are being developed, which will also be exported to foreign countries. Its hybrid quality will come to market in the next three years. There have been plans to train farmers, plant one-lakh trees and to tread of grafting mangoes species, and to form the 'Farmer Federation' in next five years. It is hoped that this ambitious plan would not meet the same fate as met by earlier projects at Panchmarhi and Babai.
Source: centralchronicle.com
Philippines: Group initiates study on mango for export market
An environment group has initiated a study on how to sell mangoes from Cagayan Valley to the markets abroad.
Dr. Artemio Antolin, Conservation International project director, said a study on the marketing processes of mango fruits for export is quite “necessary” as mango tree-planting thrives in the upland towns of Baggao and Peñablanca in the region.
Conservation International has supported the government’s reforestation efforts and initiated the planting of at least 40,000 mango trees in Peñablanca and 15,000 in Baggao in cooperation with carmaker Toyota Motors Corp., Department of Environment and Natural Resources and local government units.
The multiagency representatives are looking for other livelihood projects in partnership with big companies and local government units.
“The planting of fruit-bearing trees is a way of giving upland farmers an alternative source of living instead of indulging them in illegal logging activities,” Antolin said.
Fruit-bearing trees will be distributed to upland farmers on an ongoing basis to sustain income-generating projects in their communities, he added.
Antolin said his group has also been promoting stoves that burn rice hulls instead of charcoal or wood to cook food. “This move will divert community members from cutting trees to make charcoal or have wood for cooking,” he added.
Source: businessmirror.com.ph
Publication date: 3/4/2009
Dr. Artemio Antolin, Conservation International project director, said a study on the marketing processes of mango fruits for export is quite “necessary” as mango tree-planting thrives in the upland towns of Baggao and Peñablanca in the region.
Conservation International has supported the government’s reforestation efforts and initiated the planting of at least 40,000 mango trees in Peñablanca and 15,000 in Baggao in cooperation with carmaker Toyota Motors Corp., Department of Environment and Natural Resources and local government units.
The multiagency representatives are looking for other livelihood projects in partnership with big companies and local government units.
“The planting of fruit-bearing trees is a way of giving upland farmers an alternative source of living instead of indulging them in illegal logging activities,” Antolin said.
Fruit-bearing trees will be distributed to upland farmers on an ongoing basis to sustain income-generating projects in their communities, he added.
Antolin said his group has also been promoting stoves that burn rice hulls instead of charcoal or wood to cook food. “This move will divert community members from cutting trees to make charcoal or have wood for cooking,” he added.
Source: businessmirror.com.ph
Publication date: 3/4/2009
Peruvian mango for the world
Mango originating from India, Burma and Indonesia was introduced to Peru about forty years ago, under the type of export varieties such as Hayden, Kent and Tommy Atkins. The natural climatic conditions in Peru are ideal for growing this resource. Also, in recent years techniques have been developed for growing, harvesting and packing, which have enabled our mango (known for its high quality and competitive price) to become available in the most important international markets.
The mango industry oriented to export has been developed in recent years with two major events. First, the creation of “Bandeja Cosechera,” implemented with the support of the Foundation for Development of Agro, which caused significant advances in the quality of raw materials and the reduction of losses in the volume harvested. This tray minimizes the damage caused to the crop because it prevents contact of the fruit with the ground, which could lead to invasion of fungi and insect material. Second, the protocol signed in 1992 with the Department of Agriculture of the United States (USDA / ALPHIS) to implement a hydrothermal treatment for mangos from Peru can enter North American markets. This treatment is designed to disinfect the raw material by using hot water at the lowest temperature of 46.1 º C to 47.8 º C for the space of 5 minutes. After the hydrothermal process, the handles are a sticker that identifies the treatment plant before being packaged in corrugated cardboard boxes with handles up to 24, with a weight of approximately 650 grams.
According to the Peruvian Association of Mango Exporters (PAME), mango export would reach 40,000 metric tons (MT) during the 2008-2009 campaign. Peruvian mango is in the field of export fruit the fifth most profitable agricultural product produced in Peru, with a value of US$ 25, 690,378 (FOB) in 2008. In the 2008-2009 campaign, Peru exported 60% of its production to Europe, 36% to the United States and the remaining 4% to countries like Chile and China.
The market for Peruvian mango exports is expanding and local companies such as Sunshine Export S.A.C. (exported by the FOB value of US$ 9,155,357); Camposol S.A. (exported by the FOB value of US $ 4,071,922) and FLP del Perú (exported by the FOB value of US$ 2,672,645 FOB) are taking advantage of this process.
Source: livinginperu.com
Publication date: 3/4/2009
The mango industry oriented to export has been developed in recent years with two major events. First, the creation of “Bandeja Cosechera,” implemented with the support of the Foundation for Development of Agro, which caused significant advances in the quality of raw materials and the reduction of losses in the volume harvested. This tray minimizes the damage caused to the crop because it prevents contact of the fruit with the ground, which could lead to invasion of fungi and insect material. Second, the protocol signed in 1992 with the Department of Agriculture of the United States (USDA / ALPHIS) to implement a hydrothermal treatment for mangos from Peru can enter North American markets. This treatment is designed to disinfect the raw material by using hot water at the lowest temperature of 46.1 º C to 47.8 º C for the space of 5 minutes. After the hydrothermal process, the handles are a sticker that identifies the treatment plant before being packaged in corrugated cardboard boxes with handles up to 24, with a weight of approximately 650 grams.
According to the Peruvian Association of Mango Exporters (PAME), mango export would reach 40,000 metric tons (MT) during the 2008-2009 campaign. Peruvian mango is in the field of export fruit the fifth most profitable agricultural product produced in Peru, with a value of US$ 25, 690,378 (FOB) in 2008. In the 2008-2009 campaign, Peru exported 60% of its production to Europe, 36% to the United States and the remaining 4% to countries like Chile and China.
The market for Peruvian mango exports is expanding and local companies such as Sunshine Export S.A.C. (exported by the FOB value of US$ 9,155,357); Camposol S.A. (exported by the FOB value of US $ 4,071,922) and FLP del Perú (exported by the FOB value of US$ 2,672,645 FOB) are taking advantage of this process.
Source: livinginperu.com
Publication date: 3/4/2009
Japan: $120 each for Tableland mangoes
Tableland mangoes are selling for up to $120 each in Japan, despite the financial crisis.
The region’s $3.5 million export industry – which comes into season from November to March – has held strong and matched a national trend that has seen farm exports rise in recent months.
Diamond Star general manager Bruce Nastasi, consigning his last shipment yesterday, said 50,000 trays had been exported and the fruit was being sold in gift shops and high-end department stores.
It was not being sold in supermarkets and mangoes were going for $40-$120 each.
"Our mangoes have now surpassed the musk melon to become the most prestigious fruit for Japanese fruit baskets," he said, praising industry marketing efforts.
But the news is not all rosy for farmers, with the Federal Government’s decision yesterday to allow Filipino banana imports into the country described as a "kick in the guts" to the region.
Source: cairns.com.au
Publication date: 3/4/2009
The region’s $3.5 million export industry – which comes into season from November to March – has held strong and matched a national trend that has seen farm exports rise in recent months.
Diamond Star general manager Bruce Nastasi, consigning his last shipment yesterday, said 50,000 trays had been exported and the fruit was being sold in gift shops and high-end department stores.
It was not being sold in supermarkets and mangoes were going for $40-$120 each.
"Our mangoes have now surpassed the musk melon to become the most prestigious fruit for Japanese fruit baskets," he said, praising industry marketing efforts.
But the news is not all rosy for farmers, with the Federal Government’s decision yesterday to allow Filipino banana imports into the country described as a "kick in the guts" to the region.
Source: cairns.com.au
Publication date: 3/4/2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Australia: Scientists create disease-busting super mango
A super-mango – perfect in taste and able to fight diabetes – will be created by scientists at Coopers Plains’ new food sciences complex.
A specially designed “sniffing machine” has been developed to help boffins get the recipe right.
Staff from Innovative Food Technologies at Hamilton will move to the Health and Food Sciences Precinct when it opens next year on Kessels Rd, next to QEII Hospital.
There they will finalise research into the super mangoes which, apart from tasting extraordinarily good, will help fight human diseases.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F;) research scientist Heather Smyth said the sniffing machine would be used to measure the flavours and quality of mango varieties from around the world.
The machine, unlike a human nose, is able to detect and identify the chemical compounds responsible.
She said the aim was to create mangoes with the right mix of flavour and natural chemicals to help prevent metabolic disorders such as Type 2 diabetes.
The chemicals in the mangoes would help people combat the condition, much like the antioxidants in some foods help curb heart disease.
“The machine, which will be sniffing mangoes grown at Mareeba by the DPI&F;, is the most advanced one of its kind in Australia,” she said.
Scientists will also work on a new variety of sweet corn that will help fight degenerative eye conditions, as well as milk and margarines that help lower cholesterol.
Source: southern-star.whereilive.com.au
Publication date: 3/3/2009
A specially designed “sniffing machine” has been developed to help boffins get the recipe right.
Staff from Innovative Food Technologies at Hamilton will move to the Health and Food Sciences Precinct when it opens next year on Kessels Rd, next to QEII Hospital.
There they will finalise research into the super mangoes which, apart from tasting extraordinarily good, will help fight human diseases.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F;) research scientist Heather Smyth said the sniffing machine would be used to measure the flavours and quality of mango varieties from around the world.
The machine, unlike a human nose, is able to detect and identify the chemical compounds responsible.
She said the aim was to create mangoes with the right mix of flavour and natural chemicals to help prevent metabolic disorders such as Type 2 diabetes.
The chemicals in the mangoes would help people combat the condition, much like the antioxidants in some foods help curb heart disease.
“The machine, which will be sniffing mangoes grown at Mareeba by the DPI&F;, is the most advanced one of its kind in Australia,” she said.
Scientists will also work on a new variety of sweet corn that will help fight degenerative eye conditions, as well as milk and margarines that help lower cholesterol.
Source: southern-star.whereilive.com.au
Publication date: 3/3/2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
USA: Mango Handling Best Practices Webinar Presented By National Mango Board
Importers and Retailers are invited to participate
The National Mango Board (NMB) is focused on training and education in 2009 to improve mango handling practices, enhance mango quality and boost mango movement at retail. As part of this strategy, the NMB will host a Mango Handling Best Practices Webinar on March 17, 2009.
UC-Davis to Host Webinar
This online/teleconference training opportunity will be hosted by the UC-Davis Post Harvest Technology Institute, and presented by the NMB and its post-harvest research team. Topics will include:
o Mango handling basics including the mango’s journey from tree to consumer and key areas for improvement based on the NMB’s supply chain evaluation project;
o Assessment of mango quality by as it relates to maturity/ripeness and eating quality, using tools to measure quality and examining cultivar differences; and
o Best practices for mango handling at the warehouse, distribution center and retail levels by minimizing physical damage, managing temperatures, humidity and maintaining displays.
The NMB is encouraging anyone who handles mangos here in the U.S. to participate in the Webinar, including mango importers, wholesalers and brokers; retail distribution center and quality assurance experts; and retail buyers, category managers and merchandisers.
Webinar Details
The Mango Handling Best Practices Webinar will take place Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST, and will run for 60 to 90 minutes. Space is limited and reservations are required. Interested parties should register by contacting Megan McKenna at mmckenna@mango.org or via phone at 407-629-7318 x105. Dial-in/log-in information will be distributed several days before the event to all who register. The Webinar format allows all participants to phone into a conference line and log into a Web site simultaneously, so they can hear the presenters and view the presentation in real time. The webinar will be presented in English only.
Supply Chain Evaluation Provides Foundation for Training
Over the past 18 months, the NMB has worked with a research team made up of produce experts from the University of Florida and the University of California-Davis, along with several well-known consultants to monitor and evaluate the entire mango supply chain. Members of the team visited five different mango producing countries throughout the year to evaluate mango export handling operations and to conduct mango shipping trails on certain shipments. Team members evaluated those same shipments upon arrival in the U.S. and monitored retail mango displays in Florida and California to understand the quality of mangos being offered to consumers at retail throughout the year. The findings from this extensive research project will be the foundation for the Mango Best Management Practices Manual, which will cover each stage of the mango supply chain and will be published this spring. The portion of the manual covering handling from the importer to the retailer will be covered in this Mango Handling Best Practices Webinar.
###
About National Mango Board
The National Mango Board is a national promotion and research organization, which is supported by assessments from both domestic and imported mangos. The board was designed to drive awareness and consumption of fresh mangos in the U.S. Mangos are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, a good source of fiber and an amazing source of tropical flavor.
Mango consumption per capita has quadrupled since 1990 to an estimated 2.2 pounds per year in 2007. Mango import volume for 2007 was 661 million pounds, 3 percent more than 2006 and 15 percent more than 2005. According to Consumer Research commissioned by the National Mango Board, 35% of U.S. customers purchased mangos within the past 6 months. Learn more at www.mango.org
Publication date: 2/26/2009
The National Mango Board (NMB) is focused on training and education in 2009 to improve mango handling practices, enhance mango quality and boost mango movement at retail. As part of this strategy, the NMB will host a Mango Handling Best Practices Webinar on March 17, 2009.
UC-Davis to Host Webinar
This online/teleconference training opportunity will be hosted by the UC-Davis Post Harvest Technology Institute, and presented by the NMB and its post-harvest research team. Topics will include:
o Mango handling basics including the mango’s journey from tree to consumer and key areas for improvement based on the NMB’s supply chain evaluation project;
o Assessment of mango quality by as it relates to maturity/ripeness and eating quality, using tools to measure quality and examining cultivar differences; and
o Best practices for mango handling at the warehouse, distribution center and retail levels by minimizing physical damage, managing temperatures, humidity and maintaining displays.
The NMB is encouraging anyone who handles mangos here in the U.S. to participate in the Webinar, including mango importers, wholesalers and brokers; retail distribution center and quality assurance experts; and retail buyers, category managers and merchandisers.
Webinar Details
The Mango Handling Best Practices Webinar will take place Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 1 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST, and will run for 60 to 90 minutes. Space is limited and reservations are required. Interested parties should register by contacting Megan McKenna at mmckenna@mango.org or via phone at 407-629-7318 x105. Dial-in/log-in information will be distributed several days before the event to all who register. The Webinar format allows all participants to phone into a conference line and log into a Web site simultaneously, so they can hear the presenters and view the presentation in real time. The webinar will be presented in English only.
Supply Chain Evaluation Provides Foundation for Training
Over the past 18 months, the NMB has worked with a research team made up of produce experts from the University of Florida and the University of California-Davis, along with several well-known consultants to monitor and evaluate the entire mango supply chain. Members of the team visited five different mango producing countries throughout the year to evaluate mango export handling operations and to conduct mango shipping trails on certain shipments. Team members evaluated those same shipments upon arrival in the U.S. and monitored retail mango displays in Florida and California to understand the quality of mangos being offered to consumers at retail throughout the year. The findings from this extensive research project will be the foundation for the Mango Best Management Practices Manual, which will cover each stage of the mango supply chain and will be published this spring. The portion of the manual covering handling from the importer to the retailer will be covered in this Mango Handling Best Practices Webinar.
###
About National Mango Board
The National Mango Board is a national promotion and research organization, which is supported by assessments from both domestic and imported mangos. The board was designed to drive awareness and consumption of fresh mangos in the U.S. Mangos are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, a good source of fiber and an amazing source of tropical flavor.
Mango consumption per capita has quadrupled since 1990 to an estimated 2.2 pounds per year in 2007. Mango import volume for 2007 was 661 million pounds, 3 percent more than 2006 and 15 percent more than 2005. According to Consumer Research commissioned by the National Mango Board, 35% of U.S. customers purchased mangos within the past 6 months. Learn more at www.mango.org
Publication date: 2/26/2009
India: Guard against pest attack on mango crops, farmers told
Horticulture experts here have urged mango growers to take up immediate prophylactic plant protection measures to prevent an attack of the seasonal pest, hoppers, during the flowering season.
Mango trees are being grown on about 5,256 hectares, mostly in Shencottai, Tenkasi, Kadayam, Alangulam, Cheranmahadevi and Kadayanallur blocks, in the district. Out of 18,182 hectares covered under fruit crops in the district, mango alone accounted for 28 to 30 per cent coverage, thanks to the conducive agro-climatic conditions, besides potential resources, according to T.V. Katchi Jamal, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Tirunelveli.
Mr. Jamal, while explaining the nature of attack, said mango hopper, the insect that causes maximum damage during the flowering season in mango, hides itself under crevices in the bark until February and becomes active during the flowering period.
“Both the adults and nymphs damage the crop. They suck the sap from tender shoots and panicles. The panicles wither away and the fruit set is adversely affected. Injury caused by oviposition further aggravates the situation. They release a honey like substance which develops a sooty mould on the leaves and panicles,” Mr. Jamal says.
Demonstration
In a demonstration conducted in a mango orchard near here, S. Raja Mohamed, Horticultural officer, Palayamkottai, said two rounds of acephate 75SP at the rate of 1gm per litre or Phosalone 35 Ec at the rate of 1.5 ml per litre or carbaryl 50 WP at the rate of 2 gm per litre or Phosphomidon 40 Sl at the rate of 2ml per litre of water to be sprayed by using only rocker-type sprayer. The first spray should be carried out at the time of panicle emergence and the second one two weeks after the first spray.
Wettable sulphur at the rate of 2 gm per litre of water may also be sprayed after spraying carbaryl to avoid mite resurgence.
Neem oil at the rate of 5 ml per litre of water can also be mixed with any one of the insecticides for the control of hopper and shoot webber, he said.
Source: thehindu.com
Publication date: 3/2/2009
Mango trees are being grown on about 5,256 hectares, mostly in Shencottai, Tenkasi, Kadayam, Alangulam, Cheranmahadevi and Kadayanallur blocks, in the district. Out of 18,182 hectares covered under fruit crops in the district, mango alone accounted for 28 to 30 per cent coverage, thanks to the conducive agro-climatic conditions, besides potential resources, according to T.V. Katchi Jamal, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Tirunelveli.
Mr. Jamal, while explaining the nature of attack, said mango hopper, the insect that causes maximum damage during the flowering season in mango, hides itself under crevices in the bark until February and becomes active during the flowering period.
“Both the adults and nymphs damage the crop. They suck the sap from tender shoots and panicles. The panicles wither away and the fruit set is adversely affected. Injury caused by oviposition further aggravates the situation. They release a honey like substance which develops a sooty mould on the leaves and panicles,” Mr. Jamal says.
Demonstration
In a demonstration conducted in a mango orchard near here, S. Raja Mohamed, Horticultural officer, Palayamkottai, said two rounds of acephate 75SP at the rate of 1gm per litre or Phosalone 35 Ec at the rate of 1.5 ml per litre or carbaryl 50 WP at the rate of 2 gm per litre or Phosphomidon 40 Sl at the rate of 2ml per litre of water to be sprayed by using only rocker-type sprayer. The first spray should be carried out at the time of panicle emergence and the second one two weeks after the first spray.
Wettable sulphur at the rate of 2 gm per litre of water may also be sprayed after spraying carbaryl to avoid mite resurgence.
Neem oil at the rate of 5 ml per litre of water can also be mixed with any one of the insecticides for the control of hopper and shoot webber, he said.
Source: thehindu.com
Publication date: 3/2/2009
India: UP mango growers now turning towards litchi
Mango, which had been synonymous with Uttar Pradesh, is losing its popularity against litchi fast arresting attention from the state leethchi growers.
With climatic changes affecting agricultural production in Uttar Pradesh, mango growers, specially those in Saharanpur belt are fast turning towards leethchi production.
This came to the light in a research titled 'Impact of Climate Change on Mango Crop', carried out by Sudhir Mishra, commissioned by a non-government organisation Center for Science and Environment.
The study had revealed that due to rapid climatic changes in last one decade, farmers in Saharanpur belt have started growing leetchi in place of mango.
"Climatic changes have hit the mango production in this belt badly. Last year the entire crop was damaged first due to excessive cold and then by rains. Besides, various diseases hit production resulting in poor export," said Sanjay Arya, who is considered as a big mango producer.
Arya's observations are backed by another mango producer Rajpal Singh who claims that damage to the crop due to sudden climatic changes had become a regular phenomenon.
"Even if we have good production, mango produced in this belt, fail to compete with varities produced in South India which include Totapari, Alphonso and Ratna. Demand of South Indian varities is higher in off shore markets due to quality and taste," Singh said.
As compared to mango, the producers claimed that litchi was more lucrative.
"As Saharanpur is very close to Dehradun, which is a litchi belt, climate here conducive for production of this juicy fruit," they claimed.
In the last eight years, new leetchi gardens have been planted on nearly 300 hectare area in the region.
Singh claimed that if situation remains the same, UP will beat Uttranchal in terms of litchi production and will be ranked second after Bihar, which is the largest producer of this fruit.
A senior scientists of the Central Institute of Sub-tropical Horticulture S Rajan and deputy director of horticulture department Nandmanilal Tripathi said that turning towards litchi production was more of a compulsion for the growers in the region.
"Litchi production is more profitable as compared to mango. Besides, excessive use of pesticides and insecticides has affected the quality and quanity of mango in the area," they said.
In fact senior scientist of CISH too are studying the changes in pattern of mango production in the area.
Source: hindu.com
Publication date: 3/2/2009
With climatic changes affecting agricultural production in Uttar Pradesh, mango growers, specially those in Saharanpur belt are fast turning towards leethchi production.
This came to the light in a research titled 'Impact of Climate Change on Mango Crop', carried out by Sudhir Mishra, commissioned by a non-government organisation Center for Science and Environment.
The study had revealed that due to rapid climatic changes in last one decade, farmers in Saharanpur belt have started growing leetchi in place of mango.
"Climatic changes have hit the mango production in this belt badly. Last year the entire crop was damaged first due to excessive cold and then by rains. Besides, various diseases hit production resulting in poor export," said Sanjay Arya, who is considered as a big mango producer.
Arya's observations are backed by another mango producer Rajpal Singh who claims that damage to the crop due to sudden climatic changes had become a regular phenomenon.
"Even if we have good production, mango produced in this belt, fail to compete with varities produced in South India which include Totapari, Alphonso and Ratna. Demand of South Indian varities is higher in off shore markets due to quality and taste," Singh said.
As compared to mango, the producers claimed that litchi was more lucrative.
"As Saharanpur is very close to Dehradun, which is a litchi belt, climate here conducive for production of this juicy fruit," they claimed.
In the last eight years, new leetchi gardens have been planted on nearly 300 hectare area in the region.
Singh claimed that if situation remains the same, UP will beat Uttranchal in terms of litchi production and will be ranked second after Bihar, which is the largest producer of this fruit.
A senior scientists of the Central Institute of Sub-tropical Horticulture S Rajan and deputy director of horticulture department Nandmanilal Tripathi said that turning towards litchi production was more of a compulsion for the growers in the region.
"Litchi production is more profitable as compared to mango. Besides, excessive use of pesticides and insecticides has affected the quality and quanity of mango in the area," they said.
In fact senior scientist of CISH too are studying the changes in pattern of mango production in the area.
Source: hindu.com
Publication date: 3/2/2009
Philippines: Local production of mango pushed
Dr. Calixto M. Protacio, a leading plant breeder, has urged government to lead in the massive cultivation of smaller but more productive mango trees to raise yields and improve the country’s share in the expanding export market.
Dr. Protacio made the proposal when he delivered the David H. Murdock/Dole Asia professorial chair lecture on Feb. 25 in a forum organized by the Initiative for Farm Advocacy and Resource Management (IFARM) and Croplife Philippines at the campus of University of the Philippines-Mindanao (UP-Min) here.
He stressed that reforming the mango industry is needed now to maintain the country’s position as the world’s second biggest mango exporter and possibly eat into the lead of Mexico.
Dr. Protacio explained that big mango trees are harder to manage and large plantations require more workers during harvest time.
Scientific advances also make it possible for more small fruit-bearing trees to occupy each hectare of land, he added, and the increase in yield will naturally skyrocket, he argued.
No less than 90 percent of the country’s mango exports are in the form of fresh fruits. The Philippines enjoys a 65 percent market share in Hong Kong and controls 24 percent of the Japan market, he added. The mango expert said South Korea is starting to become a major market like the United States.
A survey conducted by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) in 2007 showed that a total of 184,174 hectares of land are devoted to mango production. There are a total of 8,115,899 fruit-bearing mango trees all over the country.
Output-wise, the Philippines harvests an average of 913,000 metric tons of the fruit, which makes it the eighth biggest player in the global market.
Only six percent of the total output is exported, Dr. Protacio revealed, and the country must increase its share of the export market by raising production and achieve inclusion in the list of countries that conform with the standards of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP), which is required if the Philippines wants to penetrate the big European Union (EU) market.
He noted the mango production system in the country is largely "parochial and is thus limited in range and scope."
Dr. Protacio said the Philippines can cash in on smaller mango trees inasmuch as Thailand stopped its mango production from smaller mango trees two decades ago.
The expert stressed that big trees have canopy diameters of up to 20 meters and grow up to a height of buildings four storeys high.
Following current practice of planting a mango tree in a 20m by 20m square, only a total of 25 trees can be accommodated in one hectare, with the yield ranging from 400 kilos to 1,000 kilos per hectare.
Dr. Protacio also doubted the range of average mango yield from six to 10 tons per hectare, saying "it is probably an overestimate."
He stressed that workers risk injury when climbing trees to harvest the fruit and spray the leaves with pesticides and nematicides.
Source: mb.com.ph
Publication date: 3/2/2009
Dr. Protacio made the proposal when he delivered the David H. Murdock/Dole Asia professorial chair lecture on Feb. 25 in a forum organized by the Initiative for Farm Advocacy and Resource Management (IFARM) and Croplife Philippines at the campus of University of the Philippines-Mindanao (UP-Min) here.
He stressed that reforming the mango industry is needed now to maintain the country’s position as the world’s second biggest mango exporter and possibly eat into the lead of Mexico.
Dr. Protacio explained that big mango trees are harder to manage and large plantations require more workers during harvest time.
Scientific advances also make it possible for more small fruit-bearing trees to occupy each hectare of land, he added, and the increase in yield will naturally skyrocket, he argued.
No less than 90 percent of the country’s mango exports are in the form of fresh fruits. The Philippines enjoys a 65 percent market share in Hong Kong and controls 24 percent of the Japan market, he added. The mango expert said South Korea is starting to become a major market like the United States.
A survey conducted by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) in 2007 showed that a total of 184,174 hectares of land are devoted to mango production. There are a total of 8,115,899 fruit-bearing mango trees all over the country.
Output-wise, the Philippines harvests an average of 913,000 metric tons of the fruit, which makes it the eighth biggest player in the global market.
Only six percent of the total output is exported, Dr. Protacio revealed, and the country must increase its share of the export market by raising production and achieve inclusion in the list of countries that conform with the standards of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP), which is required if the Philippines wants to penetrate the big European Union (EU) market.
He noted the mango production system in the country is largely "parochial and is thus limited in range and scope."
Dr. Protacio said the Philippines can cash in on smaller mango trees inasmuch as Thailand stopped its mango production from smaller mango trees two decades ago.
The expert stressed that big trees have canopy diameters of up to 20 meters and grow up to a height of buildings four storeys high.
Following current practice of planting a mango tree in a 20m by 20m square, only a total of 25 trees can be accommodated in one hectare, with the yield ranging from 400 kilos to 1,000 kilos per hectare.
Dr. Protacio also doubted the range of average mango yield from six to 10 tons per hectare, saying "it is probably an overestimate."
He stressed that workers risk injury when climbing trees to harvest the fruit and spray the leaves with pesticides and nematicides.
Source: mb.com.ph
Publication date: 3/2/2009
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