August 3, 2026 | 08:07 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian mango farmers have concluded a full-week study tour to one of Asia’s leading mango exporters, the Philippines, as part of the efforts to sustainably boost the production of one of the country’s top fruit crops. The study tour, held from 27 to 31 July, was facilitated by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and agriculture authorities in both countries.
Mango farmer group representatives from Majalengka, West Java, known for the premium variety gedong gincu, received hands-on learning opportunities by visiting farm and processing sites in Guimaras province, home to the country’s first geographical indication (GI) registered mangoes. They were joined by representatives from Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture and National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
During the field visits, Indonesian representatives learned about the Philippines’ best practices in pest management on top of innovations in processing and technology diffusion, which can be implemented back home to increase yields and widen export opportunities.
“Given Indonesia and the Philippines’ similar socioeconomic and climate conditions, this knowledge exchangeoffered proven, practical solutions to our shared challenges that are more cost-effective and appropriate for both countries and our small-scale farmers,” said Rajendra Aryal, FAO Representative in Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
Junibert E. De Sagun, Director for Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service of the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines, echoed the same sentiment, expressing hope that the initiative would also strengthen partnerships between both countries’ farmers, experts and governments.
“Improving production must go hand in hand with increasing competitiveness and expanding market opportunities. Our farmers can fully benefit from the mango industry only when we are able to consistently produce safe, high-quality products, reduce postharvest losses, add value, and meet the requirements of both domestic and international markets,” added De Sagun.
South-South and Triangular Cooperation: Offering practical solutions to shared challenges
Mango is one of the top fruit crops in both countries, yet several challenges persist, affecting production and productivity, product quality and market access on top of environmental sustainability. These issues range from pests and diseases to post-harvest losses.
Indonesia produced 3 million metric tons of mangoes in 2025, but its export value declined by 37% to USD 1.1 million in 2025, while import value increased by 27% to USD 2.32 million in the same year according to Statistics Indonesia data. Top export destinations included United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the Philippines produced about 764,000 metric tons of mangoes in 2024, which are the country’s third most exported fruit crop and supported the livelihood of around 2.5 million farmers.
“I was very impressed by the Philippines’ extensive mango processing industry. The country produces a variety of products at scale with strong support from the government. We hope to see similar developments in Indonesia’s mango industry,” said one of the participants, Elvan Setyono, a farmer group leader from West Java.
Prior to this field visit, a two-month virtual knowledge exchange series was facilitated by FAO between Indonesian and Filipino farmers, government representatives, and technical experts in May and June 2026.
For instance, in response to the Philippines’ mango cecid fly issue, Indonesian farmers shared their experience in implementing the area wide management approach; a simple, inexpensive and more sustainable way to tackle fruit flies that could be deployed as a group in a geographic area, instead of on individual farms.
The initiative is part of FAO’s long-standing facilitation of South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC), a mutual sharing and exchange of knowledge, experience, technical and financial resources related to agriculture and food systems between two or more developing countries.
Insights gained from these exchanges will inform the Philippines authorities in developing the country’s Cecid Fly Control and Management Action Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Similarly, they will also inform Indonesian authorities in developing interventions on post-harvest management and irrigation to ensure the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability.
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