Seven international resource speakers from different parts of the world will impart their knowledge on effective cultural management and farm techniques during the first-ever Philippine Asia Durian Summit at SMX Convention Center here from Oct. 25 to 27.
In an interview on Monday, Durian Industry Association of Davao City president Emmanuel Belviz said James Wong from Thailand and Lim Chin Khee from Malaysia will be discussing their countries’ best practices on durian cultivation.
Anna Teo from Malaysia will talk about the highlights of the Regulation of Agricultural Imports in China and Durian Frozen and Packaging Technology, while Dr. Tan Sue Sian of Malaysia will delve on Precision Farming: Internet of Things in Durian.
The “Potential and Emergence of Durian Agro-tourism” in Malaysia will be discussed by Johnny Ting, while Exploring Culture Through Durian Tourism will be tackled by Lindsay Gasik from the United States.
Hajime Yasumoto from Japan, meanwhile, will be talking about “Change for Environment – From Enriching Soils to Enriching Farmers and Consumer Lives”, Belviz added.
Belviz said the summit envisions to be a space for sharing insights and outlooks from local and international durian experts and enthusiasts, as well as for collaboration and partnerships.
Anchored on the theme “Cultivation, Innovation, Collaboration”, he said the event came on the heels of the notable sent-off of 18 metric tons of Philippine durian to the People’s Republic of China on April 6 this year.
“We have this desire for more doors of opportunities in the industry. There will be plenary sessions, an exhibit, an open forum, and a field tour during the event,” Belviz said.
The summit will also feature the latest types of machinery, advances in durian production and farm techniques and address the export industry concerns and common challenges, he added.
“If you can remember, President Ferdinand Marcos (Jr.) committed to supply 50,000 metric tons (MT) of durian. If many of our durian farmers will become good agricultural practitioners, I think it is doable,” Belviz said.
Since January this year, the country has exported 2,690 MT of fresh durian and 2,752 MT of frozen durian to other countries. (PNA)
