PH MANGOES. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol (left) presents a basket of sweet Philippine mangoes to Japanese Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Takamuri Yoshikawa (right) during their meeting in Tokyo Wednesday (June 5, 2019). Piñol said his meeting with his Japanese counterpart included discussions on possible export of agricultural products, as well as tariff issues on Philippine bananas. (Photo courtesy of Secretary Emmanuel Piñol)
MANILA -- A Japanese fruit importing company is buying 100 metric tons (MT) of mango from the Philippines.
Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol, who is in Tokyo, Japan said in his FB page that Diamond Star Agro Products, Inc., which has been importing papayas, pineapple, mango, bananas and even turnips exclusively from the Philippines, signified the intent to buy a huge volume of mangoes through Philippine Agriculture attache to Japan Dr. Samuel Animas this week.
He said Diamond Star officials are expected to join the launching of the Metro Mango Marketing Program on Monday (June 10) in Manila.
The program was established specifically to help farmers unload their harvest following a season of overproduction due to ideal climate conditions.
Piñol said he will arrange a meeting between the Japanese fruit importers, who will be coming to the Philippines, and mango farmers of Luzon.
Mango production has increased this season with an estimated surplus harvest of two million kilos. This was attributed to the El Niño phenomenon which has positive effect to mango plantations. (PNA)
