'Carabao' mango harvest quality and production practices and problems of growers in Davao Oriental, Philippines.
Bayogan E. R. V., Campeon R. T., Esguerra E. B.
Author Affiliation: University of the Philippines in Mindanao, Davao City, Philippines.
: 103-109
Abstract : A survey among 30 farmer-cooperators who were participants in a 'Carabao' mango productivity action programme in Davao Oriental, Philippines, showed that most owned their mango farms and had acquired farm buildings, tools and animals over the last nine years. Most mango farms were non-irrigated. Farmers use less than optimum technologies in pruning, flower induction, sanitation, fertilizer application, crop protection, bagging and sizing of fruit. The lone cooperative performs hot water treatment of the fruits when requested. Workers are employed seasonally on the farm. Costs are often shared between the mango farmer and the contractor. Many enter into a 90-10 arrangement with mango contractors. Pesticide costs amount to 60% of the total production costs for small growers. The lone cooperative, on the other hand, spent 80% on pesticides followed by labour expenses and fertilizers. The major problems perceived by growers include leafhoppers, anthracnose, mealy bugs, poor flowering, lack of farm-to-market roads and low farm-gate price. A harvest quality assessment showed that more medium and large or small fruits were produced and that defects such as scab, misshapen fruits, distinct veins, undersized fruits, wind scar, mottling, sooty mold and sap burn were prevalent. Harvest data shows that bagging fruit improves the acceptability of the fruit for export. Growers perceive that improving fruit quality and production volume are the major needs of the local mango industry.