Market Is Key! Durian, Langka, Pomelo Now Grown In Isabela

The town of Roxas, Isabela will soon become a major source of high value fruits, including Durian, Mandarin Pomelo, Buko Pandan and EVIARC Sweet Jackfruit.
A longtime friend, Vic Calderon who belongs to a political family in Roxas, Isabela entered into a production and marketing agreement for these high value fruits with John Tan of Eng Seng Food Products in Davao yesterday.
I brought Vic and former Pangasinan Congressman Eric Acuña, along with Agribusiness Blogger Buddy Gancenia, to the Durian Packing Facility of Eng Seng in Calinan, Davao City yesterday to show them the business potentials of fruit farming.
Vic had initially planted a few hectares of Pomelo and Durian in his hometown in Roxas as part of his retirement plans.
“Tapos na ang mga bata kaya naisip ko magtanim ng prutas para may mapagka-abalahan sa pagtanda ko,” Vic said.
All that changed yesterday when I introduced him to John Tan of Eng Seng Food Products, the country’s biggest exporter of Durian to China.
“Tanim ka Durian (Puyat), EVIARC, Buko Pandan at Mandarin Pomelo, bilhin ko lahat,” John told Vic during our visit to Eng Seng’s Durian Packing facility in Calinan, Davao City yesterday.
With John offering him support for the planting materials and a marketing agreement, Vic decided yesterday to plant more Pomelo and Durian in his farm.
With the help of veteran nursery technician Romie Ben Sotito who is now helping Vic in Isabela, the small fruit farm in Roxas will soon become a major source of Durian, Pomelo, Langka and Buko Pandan for the Luzon and Metro Manila markets.
This is happening simply because a farming enthusiast was given a marketing agreement which would turn his hobby into an industry.
As an agriculture advocate, I am happy to serve as the link between the farmer and the buyer.
#linkingfarmerstomarket!
#ProfitabilityBoosrsProductivity!