by Lydia C. Pendon, The Manila Times
Mango producers in the island province of Guimaras are not willing to shell out P2 million for an export inspection fee, and will just concentrate their efforts on supplying the domestic markets that happens to be more profitable.
This was announced by Gov. Samuel Gumarin of Guimaras during the Manggahan Festival celebration held at Jordan, saying shipping mangoes to other countries was stopped in 2007 because growers protested the high inspection fee.
The island province is widely known for its sweet mangoes. Besides growing mangoes, the local economy of Guimaras relies on agriculture, fishery and tourism.
Guimaras mango production is expected to reach 3,000 metric tons because of the summer that is favorable for abundant fruiting.
The island province was able to export mangoes to Australia in 2011 through a private firm that was willing to pay the inspection fee. Guimaras provincial agriculturist Ronnie Morante said local fruit producers do not have a heat treatment facility needed to disinfect mangoes as a requirement for exports.
Besides mangoes, the island province is also into production of seaweeds, kamote, casuy, calamansi, banana, livestock, corn, and cassava. Guimaras also produces rice.
Source: The Manila Times