The
Philippines can attain self-sufficiency in fruits if the
researchers in modern technology which are mostly sleeping
in some universities' libraries and government agencies'
offices could reach the end-users who are the farmers.
Most
farmers and entrepreneurs are less receptive to change
because of their "To see is to believe attitude." This is
precisely the reason why Bernie O. Dizon - agriculturist, pomologist and father of modern fruit tree technology -
established techno-demo learning centers to show
participants the prospects of engaging in orchard business.
The centers showcase high value fruit trees such as
durian,
mangosteen, carabao mango, imported mango,
rambutan,
Davao (Magallanes)
pummelo, lychee,
longkong lanzones,
variegated chico,
grapefruit, oranges, lime and other high value exotic fruit
trees.
With the onset of rainy season Dizon advised orchard
growers and hobbyists to avoid buying inferior native
varieties and practicing the right technology like double
rootstock. Successful fruit production depends on superior
cloned seedlings and right procedure in growing high value
fruit trees.
Now, the DENR-PAWB-Dizon Botanic Fruit Garden is a
place, too, for technology and plant exchange center where
foreign fruits plants and technology are being brought in by
foreigners and balikbayans. Dizon took on the work from
there by various experimentation on the technology transfer
and propagating the new varieties for mass production.
Now, the botanic fruit garden is very rich in various
plant collection coming from all over the world and the
enormous technology which Dizon is sharing with his
countrymen. |