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Potential dollar-earner: Rough-skin Hass Avocado is Mindanao’s new exp
Potential dollar-earner: Rough-skin Hass Avocado is Mindanao’s new export crop
Avocado, a 9,000-year-old fruit tree variety which originated from South America, looms as Mindanao’s newest potential dollar-earner.
In fact, Dole Philippines which introduced the first planting materials of the Hass variety in 2006, has started exporting to China during the Duterte Presidency following years of negotiations.
While there are several local varieties, the Hass developed in California in the 1920s marked by its thick and rough rind is the preferred variety because of its taste and longer shelf life.
As the wont of most multinational fruit and pineapple corporations, Dole Philippines has kept the Hass Avocado planting materials as a tightly-guarded product.
Only a few seedlings have been released thus far to select individuals and local government units.
Other enterprising nursery operators have opted to import Hass Avocado seedlings from California to be used as mother trees for scion production.
Hass Avocado has been propagated by Dole Philippines in at least three high elevation locations in Kablon, Polomolok, South Cotabato; Calinan District, Davao City and in Bukidnon.
Along with Durian and Mangosteen, the Mindanao Development Authority supports the planting of Hass Avocado especially in the deforested upland areas of Mindanao.
It is expected to strengthen Mindanao’s position as the leading agricultural exporter of the country.
It will also support the Green Mindanao Project of MinDA which promotes tree farming to protect the watershed while contributing to economic growth.0 Likes0 Replies
