Village-level processing, technology development and promotion of Dillenia philippinensis (Katmon): an underutilized fruit in Quezon Province [Philippines]

This is an R and Project in support of the development of Katmon (Dillenia philippinensis) for rural livelihood in Quezon province [Philippines] specially Real, Infanta and General Nakar, Quezon, where Katmon is still abundant. The aim of the project is to provide agricultural production technology and technical support to product development of Katnon. As such the project conducted on-station and on-site studies on seedling establishment using stem cuttings; on site and on-station and on-site and on-station test on postharvest handling and storage of fresh Katmon fruits for processing of Katmon fruits to rural women's groups; provided technical support to three rural women's groups who pursued processing and product development of Katmon and developed scientific and extension materials about Katmon and Katmon product development. Results showed that Katmon can be propagated using either matured or juvenile stem cuttings and their growth are best when treated with UPLB [University of the Philippines Los Baños]-developed biofertilizer MykoVAM combined with vermicompost or with chicken manure. Katmon propagated using matured stem cuttings also exhibited early fruiting at 14 months after planting while the use of juvenile stem cuttings provided an alternative propagation technique to current practice of collecting wildings from their natural habitat. A protocol of obtaining quality fruits for processing was also developed where information on proper harvesting, handling and storage before processing are provided. For longer storage life, Modified Atmospheric Packaging and low temperature (15 deg C) are recommended for Katmon fruits. On capability enhancement on UPLB-developed procedures on processing Katmon food products, about 75 women representing at least 19 rural women's groups from Real, Infanta and General Nakar benefitted from the series of on-site and hands-on training activities conducted by the project. Among the products, Katmon powder, Katmon juice and Katmon jelly were introduced by these women's groups to potential consumers from urban and rural areas in local and national fests and fares. Katmon juice and jelly were rated highly acceptable by the respondents during product evaluation. Katmon pure powder on the other hand, is the sole product identified by Quezon DOST [Department of Science and Technology and DTI [Department Trade and Industry] as having the best potential for further development. There is continuous processing of Katmon powder by one of the trained women in Real Quezon but in Real Quezon but in very limited capacity using the fruit dryer fabricated by the project for training purpose. Furthermore, five extension materials about Katmon propagation, harvesting and postharvest handling of Katmon for livelihood exhibits great potential in the project sites. Sustaining the interest and achieving the full potential of developing Katmon for natural livelihood in the study sites will depend on how well this venture will further be supported by the local stakeholders and agencies.