Assessment of Dragon Fruit Industry in Cavite

Authors: Joy M. Baes, Jonard D. Junio, and Gerry M. Castillo

Abstract: The study was conducted at dragon fruit farms in Amadeo, Alfonso, Gen. Aguinaldo and Indang, Cavite from January to April 2017 to assess the dragon fruit industry in Cavite. Specifically, this study aimed to:  assess the present status and condition of production of dragon fruit goods in terms of quantity, methods, materials, machine and manpower, identify the activities involved in postharvest of the dragon fruit, determine the problems and factors that affect the dragon fruit production, project the demand for the dragon fruit goods through the years, and suggest possible recommendations in order to improve production of dragon fruit goods. Through interviews and surveys, problems and causes of postharvest losses in the dragon fruit industry were determined. The causes of postharvest losses are pests and diseases, under/over maturity, and mechanical damage. As for the major problems encountered in the industry, it includes limited supply of materials (seasonal), lack of support from the government, phase of growth, and lack of information and training. For the next years, dragon fruit is expected to raise its demand and grow in its industry. But for some processed products, the demand is depleting. Upon applying the recommendations generated, dragon fruit industy, including its processed products, may emerge as the most cultivated and processed crop in the fruit industry.

 Keywords: Assessment; Dragon fruit; forecasting; Postharvest; Value-addition