DILIMAN, Quezon City—Mango, the third most important fruit crop in the country next to banana and pineapple, has been getting huge market demand for both fresh and processed product.

To help boost this industry, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) once again highlighted mango in one of its free seminars this year.

Resource persons from the Bureau of Plant Industry-Guimaras National Crop Research, Development, and Production Support Center (BPI-GNCRDPSC) were invited to talk about mango production and processing.

Center chief Yondre Yonder presented the overview of the Philippine mango industry, integrated crop/pest management, the recommended farming practices, and industry issues and concerns. He encouraged the participants to try this venture where there is a bright future, with the right technology, knowledge, and resources.

Meanwhile, Agricultural engineer Erlyn Billones discussed the value-adding of mangoes and showed how to process it into different products. Among these are dried mango, mango concentrate, mango jam, mango puree, and pickled mango.

Data showed that dried mango represents the largest share among mango processed products and 85% of these are destined for export. With this trend, Billones encouraged the participants to explore ways to further improve their products based on the consumers’ requirements.

First-time attendee, John Mark Manipol from Quezon City, appreciated the seminar since, according to him, it provided a background on his chosen course of agricultural engineering. He further remarked that this kind of seminar aids in the improvement of the agriculture sector in the country.

About 100 individuals interested in mango attended this free seminar on May 10, 2019 at the ATI Rural Development and Education Center in this city.