DA-7 claims Cebu mango growers have the highest production in Central Visayas

CEBU CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 7 disclosed in a recent forum that the mango growers of Cebu City gained the highest production in the region. 

Wilberto Castillo, Regional Coordinator Crop Protection Chief, revealed this in a forum conducted to discuss the interventions and issues of the mango industry in Central Visayas. 

Castillo said that in 2010, production of mango growers in the region is at 71,000, of which 60 percent comes from Cebu City. 

The rest are divided by the three provinces of Negros Oriental, Bohol and Siquijor. 

The DA implemented interventions in helping the mango growers in their agricultural practices, weekly season-long trainings, and the farmer field schools which is an extension tool for farmers to evolve from the concept that they will learn optimally from field observation and experimentation. 

This farmer field school has five groups, offering different lectures in the morning followed by a training in the afternoon. 

They also conduct field trainings in five places here in Cebu namely Toledo, Danao, Compostella, Subang Dako, and Paril. 

The agriculture department is encouraging the support of the Local Government Unit, especially the municipal agricultural officers to help maximize the output and the utilities of mango growers.(hfg/rmn/PIA-7)