The dwindling of the mango industry can be attributed to the mango contractors and the lack of proper know-how among mango farmers, said an official of a mango growers group. 

Samahan ng Magmamangga ng Davao Region, Inc. (SMDRI) chairman Richard Olores said a few years back the mango industry in the region can still produce eight to 12 tons of mangoes per hectare. But recently, it was reduced to only three to five tons per hectare. 

The decrease in production was mainly because of the mango farmers not being entirely hands on with their farms, SMDRI secretary Wilfredo Sebuco said during Habi at Kape at Abreeza Ayala Malls on Thursday, October 12. 

“This could be because they lack the capital, they lack proper technology, the know-how, or they do not have access to the market. They are exploited by the contractors who are very good at marketing and financing. So if the contractors fail, the farmers are also at the losing end," Sebuco said.