The calamansi (citrus madurencis) is considered as one of the major fruit crops in the Philippines, which is indigenous to the

country. This plant is characterized by wing-like appendages on the leaf stalks and white or purplish flowers. Its fruit has either a spongy or leathery rind with a juicy pulp that is divided into sections. Calamansi is said to be a good source of vitamin C. it fruit has been processed into syrups, juices, concentrates, and purees. Its juice is used as flavouring or as an additive in various food preparations to enhance iron absorption. It can also be a preserve ingredient for sweet pickles or marmalade. Calamansi is easy to cultivate. The plant grows well in cool and elevated areas and in sandy soils rich in organic matter. Waterlogged areas are not suitable for cultivation because calamansi plants cannot tolerate too much moisture. Calamansi can be propagated by seeds using its vegetative parts. To produce big, luscious fruits, applying fertilizer, such as ammonium sulphate or urea, around each tree one month after planting is essential. The trees will start to bear fruit one or two years after planting. Its trees have an average life span of five years. Introduced by the Batangueos in 1961. Calamansi growing in Oriental Mindoro where initially established in the towns of Naujan, Victoria, and Sorro then laterspread to other municipalities when production demand had increased. Peak season of calamansi is during the months of June to October and lean months from November to May. PROCESSING Calamansi is processed into high value products, such as juice, concentrate, snack foods, and others. PRODUCTION MIMAROPA is consistently a major producing region of calamansi where Oriental Mindoro excels as the Calamansi King in the Philippines. In 2008, total production at 200 thousand Mt was down by 0.96 percent. This was mainly due to lower production in MIMAROPA. The regions production accounted for nearly 60 percent of the countrys production. Bearing trees in the region were affected by the excessive rains which pulled down production. Area planted to calamansi in 2008 grew by 2.01 percent or from 20.5 thousand hectares in 2007, it increased to 20.9 thousand hectares in 2008. Calamansi was planted extensively in MIMAROPA. This region

accounted for 38 percent of the countrys area planted to calamansi. Comparative Production volume, area planted and yield per hectare of calamansi commodity. Particulars Production (mt) Area (ha) Yield (mt/ha.) 2007 `000 mt. 121.05 20.5 5.91 2008 `000 mt. 118.24 20.9 5.66

Fast growing market for healthier and naturally grown food with environment friendly production and packaging technology.

MIMAROPA Volume 2008 Marinduque 49.67 Min. Occ. 154.20 Min. Or. 117,279.70 Palawan 615.45 Romblon 145.61

Area Harvested 20 45 7,315 523 46

Yield per Hectare 2.48 3.43 16.03 1.18 3.17

POTENTIAL AREA FOR INVESTMENT Market demand of calamansi either fresh or processed is very high. There is growing market demand for processed calamansi in the domestic market in the form of pasteurized juice, jellies, puree, etc. Adoption of appropriate technology is relatively high in the province. Budded seedlings commence fruiting on the third year with an approximate yield of 7 kilos of fruits per tree and increasing onwards as the tree ages. Maximum production performance per tree occurs from 9 to 15 years of age. Estimated return on investment per hectare is 72%. INVESTMENT ARRANGEMENTS / MODALITIES A joint venture with local partners/ Peoples Organization. A joint venture company to manage the production site and enter contract growing and/or land lease agreement with individual calamansi growers. COST AND RETURN ANALYSIS (1 hecatre) Particulars Cost of Production Ave. Yield Price per kilo Net Income Payback Period ROI GOVERNMENT SUPPORT A. Research and development, training, market linkage through DA RFU IV-B GMA HVCC Program. B. DA RFU Team to assist in the site identification, facilitation of business licenses. C. Credit linkage to Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines

MARKET Foreign Market: Export earnings from calamansi products went down from US$ 0.71 million in 2007 to US$ 0.64 million in 2008, despite a substantial increase in exports to the Canadian and American markets. Value of processed calamansi exported to other countries declined by 39.53 percent. This pulled down export earnings in 2008. Fresh Fruit: Hongkong, Canada, Japan (excludes Okinawa), Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, N.E.S., and USA. Dried Fruit: Hawaii Concentrate: USA, Singapore, Germany, Canada, UK Great Britain & N. Ireland, Hongkong, Lebanon, Hawaii, Switzerland. Local Market: Price: Average farmgate price was recorded at P 11.71 per kilogram in 2008. This was P 1.57 above last years price. At retail, average price went up by P5.18 from its 2007 level. OPPORTUNITIES Availability of Technology Stable Peace and Order situation Growing demand for health conscious

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Produced by: Agribusiness & Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) DA RFU IV-B Telefax No. (02)- 921-2650

Office of Regional Executive Director

Regional Field Unit - 4B (MIMAROPA)
4/F ATI Building, Elliptical Road Diliman, Quezon City Tel. # (02)426-47-84 Telefax: (02)920-20-18 Email address: oredda4b@yahoo.com