Durian Farming in the Philippines: Guide to Profit

May 10, 2023 by Lauro Braganza

Durian is a popular fruit in tropical countries especially in South and South East Asia and durian farming is a profitable business. If you want to learn more about durian farming, continue reading.

Are you a farmer looking to diversify your crop portfolio? Or perhaps you’re just curious about the infamous and divisive fruit known as durian. Either way, this is the guide for you! In this post, we’ll be sharing everything you need to know about successful durian farming – from selecting the right land to harvesting and beyond. So buckle up and get ready for some juicy tips and tricks that will help you grow your best crop yet!

Introduction to Durian Farming

Durian farming is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to successfully grow durians. However, the rewards are worth it. Durians are prized for their unique flavor and texture, making them a valuable commodity in the fruit world.

If you’re thinking about starting a durian farm, there are a few things you should know. First, durians require a tropical climate to thrive. They will not do well in cooler climates. Second, durians need plenty of space to grow. They will not do well if they are cramped up. Third, durians need a lot of water to survive. They will not do well in dry conditions.

Fourth, durians need full sun to produce fruits that are flavorful and nutritious. Fifth, durians have specific nutrient requirements that must be met in order for them to thrive. Sixth, durians are susceptible to pests and diseases. You will need to take measures to protect your crops from these threats.

By following these tips, you can set your farm up for success. With hard work and dedication, you can grow delicious and nutritious durians that will bring joy to everyone who eats them!

Benefits of Durian Farming

There are many benefits of durian farming, including the fact that it is a lucrative crop. Durian is in high demand all over the world, and prices for the fruit can be very high. In addition, durian trees are relatively easy to care for and do not require a lot of pesticides or other chemicals. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option than many other types of fruits and vegetables. Durian trees produce a large amount of fruit, so farmers can potentially make a good profit from selling their crops.

How to Choose the Right Durian Variety

When it comes to choosing the right durian variety for your farm, there are a few factors to consider. First, you need to decide what type of durian you want to grow. There are four main types of durian: Musang King, D24, XO, and Red Prawn. Each type has its own unique flavor and texture, so you’ll need to choose one that best suits your taste.

Next, you’ll need to consider the climate and soil conditions of your farm. Different durian varieties thrive in different environments, so it’s important to choose a variety that will be able to adapt to the conditions of your farm. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, you’ll need to choose a variety that can tolerate wet conditions.

You’ll need to think about the market for durian in your area. Some varieties are more popular than others, so you’ll need to make sure there is a demand for the type of durian you want to grow. If you’re not sure which variety is best for your farm, consult with a local expert or agricultural extension agent.

Preparation for Durian Planting and Growing

When it comes to durian farming, preparation is key. If you want to be successful in cultivation, you need to start by preparing the land and getting the plants ready. Here are some tips and tricks for successful durian farming:

1. Choose the right location. Durian trees need plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil. They also prefer slightly acidic soil, so if your soil is alkaline, you may need to add some lime to it.

2. Plant your durian trees at the right time of year. The best time to plant durian trees is during the rainy season, as they need lots of water to get established.

3. Give your durian trees enough space. Each tree needs about 10 meters of space around it so that it can grow properly.

4. Water your durian trees regularly and fertilize them monthly. Durian trees are heavy feeders, so they need plenty of water and nutrients to grow well.

5. Protect your durian trees from pests and diseases. There are many pests and diseases that can affect durian trees, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them and take steps to control them early on.

Tips for Successful Cultivation

To successfully cultivate durian, there are a few key tips to keep in mind:

Choose the right location. Durian trees need full sun and well-drained soil. If you live in an area with high humidity, it’s also important to choose a site that has good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Start with healthy plants. Be sure to purchase your trees from a reputable source and inspect them for signs of pests or disease before planting.
Give them room to grow. Durian trees can reach up to 40 feet tall, so make sure you plant them at least 20 feet apart.
Mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Water regularly during the dry season, but don’t overdo it – too much water can actually be detrimental to durian trees. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between watering.
Fertilize your trees twice a year with a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10. Apply it around the drip line (the outer edge of the tree’s canopy) and be sure not to get any on the trunk or leaves.

Harvesting and Drying Durians

Harvesting and drying durians is a process that takes place over the course of several months. The first step is to harvest the fruit when it is ripe, which typically occurs during the months of July and August. Once the fruit has been harvested, it must be dried in order to preserve its flavor and texture. Drying can be done either in the sun or in a dehydrator and typically takes between two and four weeks. After the fruit has been properly dried, it can be stored in an airtight container for up to six months.

Alternatives to Growing Durians

If you’re interested in growing durians but don’t have the space or resources for them, there are a few alternatives you can consider. One option is to grow miniaturized versions of the durian tree. These trees are much smaller than full-sized durians and can be grown in pots or small spaces.

Another alternative is to grow a different type of fruit tree that has similar characteristics to the durian. For example, the jackfruit is often compared to the durian because of its large size and strong smell. If you live in an area where jackfruit trees are common, you may be able to find one that you can grow at home.

If you really want to experience growing durians but don’t want to do it yourself, you can always visit a durian farm. Many farms offer tours and allow visitors to pick their own fruit. This is a great way to learn about the cultivation process and taste fresh, delicious durians straight from the source!

Questions Related to Durian Farming

How long does it take for a durian tree to bear fruit in the Philippines?

Durian trees grown from seed begin to bear fruit at 8-10 years. Grafted trees begin to produce at 4-6 years. It takes about 110-120 days from flowering to harvest.

Where is durian planted in the Philippines?

Durian trees grow almost exclusively in Mindanao, particularly in Davao, Cotabato, Sulu, and Agusan, but can also be found all over the country. In fact, Southern Mindanao is considered the ‘durian republic’ in the Philippines.

What province is the top producer of durian?

Monteagudo said Calinan District in Davao City is the top source of durian in the entire country.

Can you grow durian in the Philippines?

Durian is a widely grown fruit in the Philippines, particularly in the Davao region, the top durian-producing area in Mindanao. In 2021, the area planted for durian in the Philippines was 16,573 hectares with a total of 1,387,628 bearing trees.

How many months can a durian be harvested?

Depending on how durian cultivars apply their organic fertilizer, durian fruit production should take around 3-5 months after the first flower buds begin to show up. Natural fruit drop will take around 10 weeks, peaking in intensity somewhere around the second and third weeks.

How do you make durian grow faster?

Keep the temperature around 75–85 °F (24–29 °C). A durian tree’s native environment stays around 75–85 °F (24–29 °C), so if you want your plant to thrive, you should mimic that environment. Remember that durian plants can wither and die in temperatures below 45 °F (7 °C).

How many durian trees per hectare?

In orchards, durian trees are commonly spaced 6-16 m [20 to 50 feet] apart, aiming for about 156 trees/hectare [64 trees/acre] to 40 trees/hectare [16 trees/acre].

What kind of soil does durian like?

Durian trees can be grown successfully on a wide range of soils, but optimum growth and fruiting occur on fertile, deep (without subsurface bedrock), well-drained sandy loam or clay loam which is rich in organic matter.

What is the best durian variety?

Mao Shan Wang is one of the most popular types of durian and known as the ‘crème de la crème’ of durians. It is said to be the richest and best-tasting durian to ever be bred. It is often more expensive as it is a premium-tier durian.

Is durian expensive in the Philippines?

In 2022, the average farmgate price of durian in the Philippines was 46.43 Philippine pesos per kilo.

What is the shelf life of durian?

Storage Conditions: Damaged durian fruit has a very short shelf-life of around 2-3 days. The shelf-life of intact fruit can be extended to one week if kept at 5-10°C. Selective harvesting before the fruit is ripe can increase shelf-life by three weeks if stored at around 15°C.

How many durians can you get from one tree?

Large, spiky fruit that can weigh between 1k and 6kg. A mature tree can produce up to 200 fruit. Productive fruit tree.

What makes durian expensive?

Once the trees start to flower, farmers count the days until the fruits are ripe. Depending on the breed, this can span 90 to 150 days. But it’s not only the time and labor that make Nont durian so pricey. The costs to provide this kind of care add up.

Conclusion

Durian farming can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience if you take the time to learn about the techniques needed for successful harvests. We hope that this guide has provided you with some valuable tips, tricks, and information to make your own durian farming adventure a success! With the right knowledge and dedication, there is no limit to what you can achieve in durian farming.

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