Fruits output drop in Q1

MANILA, Philippines  — Production of the country’s major fruit crops declined in the first quarter.

Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed banana production went down 2.4 percent to 2.06 million metric tons (MT) due to lesser fruits harvested in small and large farms because of the abandonment of areas affected by fusarium wilt or Panama disease.

The lower production was also due to the effects of bacterial wilt disease, as well as mozaic disease in some areas.

Davao Region recorded the highest share at 37 percent of total banana production, followed by Northern Mindanao and Soccsksargen with 25 percent and 12 percent, respectively.

Cavendish variety accounted for 1.16 million metric tons or six percent of the aggregate, while saba variety made up  25 percent and lakatan, nine percent.

Production of mango decreased by 0.9 percent to 94,070 MT.

The highest producer of mango during the period was Ilocos Region, contributing 52 percent to the total national production. Central Luzon and Western Visayas followed next.

Carabao mango recorded the highest output, representing 82 percent of the total mango production.

Calamansi production also went down by 11 percent to 13,310 MT due to the cutting of unproductive old trees and smaller fruits developed as a result of the dry spell during the first half.

Calabarzon was the top producer with 18 percent share. Central Luzon ranked second with 15 percent and Davao Region with 12 percent.

Meanwhile, pineapple production increased by a minimal 0.8 percent to 626,520 MT due to the expansion in harvested areas and lesser incidence of pests and diseases. Newly opened pineapple areas were also noted due to high price.

More than half of the total production of pineapple was from Northern Mindanao at 346,650 MT. The other top producing region was Soccsksargen, accounting for 35 percent of the total.