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MUÑOZ,
NUEVA ECIJA - Durian, the expensive but succulent fruit from
Mindanao, will soon be readily available in this part of the
country after pomologist found it can be grown in Luzon.
The
Central Luzon State University has successfully grown durian
in its demonstration farm, demolishing the long-standing
belief that the smelly but tasty fruit could thrive only in
Davao.
Bernardo Dizon, a pomologist of the CLSU-Fruit Research
and Technology Center, said the success of their experiment
indicates that the fruit can probably grow elsewhere in the
country.
With about 2,000 seedlings of durian in the CLSU, Dizon
and the university president, Dr. Fortunato Battad, plan to
initiate a campaign to "durianize" Luzon, particularly
Central and Northern Luzon.
Battad, also a pomologist, said the commercializing
durian, a high value crop, can help boost the income of
thousands of Luzon farmers who are usually stuck with rice
and corn growing.
Among the varieties of durian being propagated by Dizon
are Chanee and Monthong from Thailand, D-24 from Malaysia
and some Indonesian varieties.
A Chanee weighs aroung three kilos and is sold at P400
during regular fruiting season. During off-season, it
fetches up to P700 in the market, Dizon said. |
