According to data, the production and marketing of Dominican mangoes is increasingly growing more and more. In 2004, the country exported a little more than one million kilos. Currently, the country exports a total of 17 million kilos. The information was offered yesterday in a joint activity between the Ministry of Agriculture and fruit producers, represented by the Mango Cluster and other institutions of the branch. The most recent report indicates that last year the country achieved exporting US $ 20.1 million in mangoes. The goal is to increase this number and there are conditions to achieve this, stated the Minister of Agriculture, Angel Estevez, the President of the and Mango Cluster, Rafael Leger. They both were optimistic.
"In 2015 mango exports amounted to 15 million dollars and by 2016 they increased to 20.1 million dollars, i.e. 29% more. If this is not a record for the mango sector, then it is a good average. Now we are more united to promote this wealth-generating sector in the Dominican Republic," Minister Estevez told reporters attending a press conference convened to announce the Expo Mango 2017. This is the 13th version of the event, which will be held from June 14 to June 18 in Bani, in the province of Peravia.
The official asked mango growers and traders to improve the quality of their product, strengthen health programs, and technify production to obtain better fruit potential, both for the local market and for export. He said that only by transforming the production of fruit can we ensure good markets and greater benefits for producers from their crops. He said that they could multiply mango exports by five in 10 years, as the Dominican Republic is currently among the top 20 mango exporting countries.
"It is important to continue improving the post-harvest processes, as this guarantees achieving a better position in the markets," said Estevez.
Meanwhile, Rafael Leger, from the Cluster of Mango, highlighted the potential that local producers have to export the fruit. Mango is currently the third most exported fruit and its exports are on the rise thanks to the great international demand.
"The main objective is to establish the Dominican Republic as the leading Caribbean exporter of high quality mangoes for the ethnic, gourmet, and organic markets of the United States and Europe," he said.
At present, the production area stands at about 6,300 hectares in about 1,600 organized commercial plantations. The southern region of the country is the area with the highest incidence of mango production. The main producing areas are the provinces of Peravia, San Cristobal, Azua, San Juan, Barahona and Neyba, which together account for just over 85% of the total production area. The normal harvest period takes place from March to August, with its peak production in the month of June. This year the fair is dedicated to producer Rafael Perello, president of Industrias Banilejas. The general public is invited to the Expo Mango 2017. The fair's program includes seminars, workshops, and tastings.
Different agencies are involved in the fair
The organizers and collaborators of the Expo Mango 2017 include: the Mango Cluster, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Dominican Institute of Agricultural and Forest Research, the Center for Agricultural and Forestry Development, the Agricultural and Forestry Research Council, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Bani's Governor's Office, the Dominican Agrarian Institute, and the Dominican Republic's Export and Investment Center.
The sector has advanced with the introduction of new varieties
According to the data provided, there are new projects starting on the Northwest Line, identifying other areas that will increase the supply of mangoes. The external markets for Dominican mangoes are the European Union, the US, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands. The main niches are: fresh mango, gourmet mango, and creole mango, as well as processed mangoes (pulp, jam, sweets and others). Until the beginning of the 80's, the production of mango in the country was mainly done in a traditional fashion.
Source: elcaribe.com.do