In Davao City, discussions are currently taking place regarding a partnership with New Zealand for durian production research. Councilor Marissa S. Abella, leading the Committee on Agriculture, announced that preliminary talks with the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited are focused on enhancing the quality of durians, a high-value crop. The collaboration is set to be funded by New Zealand with approximately P15 million, with an additional P10 million from the local government.
Abella emphasized the ongoing nature of these discussions, aiming to finalize them for a subsequent resolution and ordinance supporting the research partnership. The initiative seeks to leverage New Zealand's expertise in plant and fruit cultivation, targeting export quality improvement. The research, pending approval for local funding, will span three years and address issues like cadmium contamination, which has affected durian exports.
Abella pointed to the collaborative research on regenerative agriculture by the University of Southern Mindanao's Research Camp, Korea International Cooperation Agency, and the Mindanao Development Authority. This research aims to mitigate climate change's impact on agriculture, emphasizing natural and organic farming practices. The councilor also called for comprehensive farmer training, government oversight, and the adoption of innovative technologies to support agricultural resilience, particularly in light of recent drought conditions.
[ P10 = €0.16 ]
Source: sunstar.com.ph