The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA‑11) announced Wednesday that around 300 participants are expected to attend the 2nd Mindanao Mango Congress, set for Aug. 12 to 14 in this city.

The three-day event promotes sustainable growth in the mango industry through technical sessions, expert discussions, exhibits and live demos of modern practices such as drone spraying and climate-smart farming.

“The congress also seeks to improve farmers’ livelihoods, promote value‑adding innovations, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the global mango export market,” DA‑11 said.

Data from the agency indicate that Davao Region produces an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 metric tons of mangoes annually, making it one of the country’s leading mango‑producing regions.

“The congress will convene growers, researchers, agricultural experts, private companies, and government agencies to discuss industry challenges, share best practices, and identify strategies for long‑term growth,” DA‑11 added.

Benedicto Alvez, chair of the Davao Region Integrated Mango Agribusiness Council and head of the sectoral committee on mango, stressed the importance of boosting production.

“Our priority is to increase mango output by improving farm productivity and addressing pests, diseases, and production costs. Market demand alone is not enough if we don’t have enough produce to sell,” he said in an interview.

Organizers said the congress will also offer valuable networking opportunities that foster partnerships and innovation to drive growth and competitiveness in the mango industry. (PNA)