A program funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will assist Davao City’s durian farmers in increasing harvests and ensuring their sustainability, while provide value chain training in preparation for eventual exports to South Korea.
According to Cho Buyoung, country director of the non-government organization Center for Asian Mission for the Poor, the project is part of the South Korean government’s development assistance program in the Philippines: “In agriculture, we are focusing on Mindanao because of the background of the conversation between KOICA and the Mindanao Development Authority. When they discussed the development plan in Mindanao, we chose Davao City as a priority and we planned all the programs together with the farmers.”
The project has initial funding of $1.3 million over three years, subject to extension, and will start at the Calinan and Tugbok Districts of Davao City. Its three components are: improving production of quality durian with technical assistance from the University of Southern Mindanao; ensuring socio-economic benefits with help from the University of the Philippines-Mindanao; and organizing farmers in partnership with the cooperative Unorka Mindanao, Inc.
Source: bworldonline.com