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Philippines expects higher mango exports with new technologyManila, Philippines - Dec 7, 2005 Philippine authorities expects higher mango exports with the the development of the controlled atmosphere technology (CAT). Based on its initial research findings, the Philippines Department of Agriculture expressed confidence that CAT can help enhance the marketability of Philippine's carabao mangoes, which are considered among the world's best mango varieties. "CAT involves a process of storing and transporting mangoes using scaled and well-insulated rooms where temperature and concentration of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide are maintained at specific levels in such rooms," the agency said. The agency embarked on the study after receiving reports that the Philippines is exporting carabao mangoes to neighboring countries only in limited quantities. Philippines accounted for only 3.9 per cent of the world's 919,000 MT trade of fresh mangoes. Authorities attributed this to the fruit's short shelf life which diminishes its marketability in foreign markets, particularly if transported through sea. The Department of Agriculature tested the CAT system for storing mangoes. Results from storage trials verified that CAT can extend the shelf life of mangoes to 28 days, and enhance the quality of the produce. The agency will conduct further research on the commercial shipment of carabao mangoes to validate its initial findings. Mango production in the Philippines increased from 956,000 MT in 2002 to 967,500 MT in 2004. Source: PNA
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