TACLOBAN CITY – Department of Agriculture (DA)-8 Director Andrew Rodolfo Orais advised the newly formed Regional Jackfruit Industry Development Council officers to pass a resolution declaring May 23 every year as Regional Jackfruit Day.
Orais made the advice following the election of officers held during the gathering of all key jackfruit stakeholders in Eastern Visayas, including farmers, propagators, buyers, processors, State Universities and Colleges, and the private sector.
The Regional Jackfruit Industry Development Council will spearhead the finalization of the regional jackfruit industry development roadmap as an instrument in promoting jackfruit as a regional champion commodity.
The roadmap aims to address all perceived bottlenecks along the jackfruit value chain.
It is also expected to serve as a guide to stakeholders in formulating effective strategies and interventions to optimize the huge market potential of the jackfruit industry in the region.
Orais said the roadmap the council will adopt is aimed towards attaining the region's long overdue title as the country's “Jackfruit Capital.”
The high quality of the jackfruit in the region commands a high market demand.
However, the industry remains unable to meet its demands and has no clear-cut policies for the prioritization of jackfruit.
The region is known for its jackfruit varieties – EVIARC Sweet, Baybay Sweet, and Burabod – which are known as among the sweetest jackfruit varieties in the world.