Value chain upgrading towards improving the calamansi industry of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

Oriental Mindoro [Philippines] remains as the country's major producer of calamansi, an indigenous fruit utilized fresh or processed, and with increasing export potential. The industry is challenged, however, by declining production, area and yield in recent years. This paper draws from a value chain study of processed calamansi aimed to revitalize the industry and address technical and market-related gaps.It involved supply chain mapping, documentation of postharvest handling and processing practices, and quality assessment in production areas and processing plants in Oriental Mindoro. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to map material, information, and relational flows among farmers, traders, processors, and consumers. Quality problems, product losses, and technology needs were identified at each value chain level. A market study and a consumer survey were conducted. Results of chain mapping and analysis, and consumer survey were presented to and validated with stakeholders to determine research and development options, technology interventions, and capability-building activities. Value-adding and improvement opportunities to meet the quality attributes desired by consumers include production of clean planting materials, judicious fertilization, disease control, integrated pest management, proper harvesting at right maturity stage, sorting, storage of calamansi concentrate, and waste utilization through training of growers and processors, including women. It is important to strengthen pest management and disease control at farm level since rejections at processing plants are due to insect damage (especially calamansi rind borer) and disease (Huanglongbing or citrus greening, and citrus tristeza disease). Also imperative are technical support and capability building on crop production, integrated pest and disease management, and postharvest handling; product development and diversification promoting a standard calamansi puree, and utilization of waste materials for other high-value products and functional food; and assistance from local government, other agencies and private groups in aggressive multimedia campaign and advocacy highlighting the health benefits of calamansi.