THE NUMBER of certified durian exporters doubled from five in June 2023 to ten this August.
During the iSpeak forum on Aug. 10, city agriculturist Edgardo Haspe said most of the local durian harvest is intended for export to China.
“Tungod sa opportunity sa export market, di gyud ta makaingon nga 100% padung sa local or domestic market (Due to the opportunity in the export market, we cannot say that 100% goes to the local or domestic market),” Haspe said.
Haspe stressed that durian farmers prefer to export their products due to the higher prices and the more stable market.
Class A durian is sold at P100-P110 per kilo, class B fetches P70 per kilo, and class C is at P65 per kilo.
Haspe said the export market impacts the domestic market since the latter absorbs the lower-quality fruits.
“Dili exportable variety pwede sa local market like sa montong, mga dili kapasar sa size sa export, ang shape is dili pang export (Only non-exportable variety can be available in the local market, those that can’t qualify to the size, and shape required by the exporters,”
Regardless of the size and shape, Haspe said the taste stays the same as long as it is in good condition, does not have a wet core, and did not undergo uneven ripening.
The preferred durian for export feature five locules and weigh 2-4.5 kilos each. Those that cannot reach the qualification will be processed and will be sold in the local market.
Durian supply during Kadayawan Festival
When asked regarding the supply of durian if it can meet the demands of the consumers, Haspe said the city still relies on local farmers due to insufficient supply from other producers from neighboring cities.
“Dili pa ta ma short compared to before ma short gyud kay ta sa atong durian last year, karon murag di pata ma short. Mas daghan daghan pa ang atoa karon. (Compared to last year, we won’t experience durian shortage this year),” Haspe said.
Haspe stressed that it is not yet peak season, so the harvest is projected to increase by the end of August to September when the elevated areas of Baguio and Calinan districts start to harvest.
Apart from durian, the influx of lanzones and mangosteen on the local market will also start to increase this month.
