RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta — Indonesian mango farmers and government officials have completed a week-long study visit to the Philippines to learn best practices in farming, post-harvest management and mango processing. The visit connected representatives from Majalengka, West Java, known for its premium Gedong Gincu mangoes, with counterparts in Guimaras, home to the Philippines' first geographical indication (GI)-registered mangoes.

The study tour, held from 27 to 31 July, brought representatives of mango farmer groups from Majalengka, West Java, together with officials from Indonesia's Ministry of Agriculture and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to Guimaras Province, one of the Philippines' leading mango-producing regions. The exchange was facilitated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with agricultural authorities from both countries.

During the visit, Indonesian participants observed the Philippines' approaches to pest management, mango processing and technology adoption, intending to adapt suitable practices to improve productivity and expand Indonesia's export opportunities.

"Given Indonesia and the Philippines' similar socioeconomic and climatic conditions, this knowledge exchange offered 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, as stated in a press release on Monday, 3 August 2026.

The program comes as Indonesia seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of its mango sector. According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS), the country produced around 3 million metric tons of mangoes in 2025, making it one of Indonesia's leading fruit crops.

However, the value of mango exports fell 37 percent to USD 1.1 million last year, while imports increased 27 percent to USD 2.32 million. Indonesia's main export destinations include the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Malaysia.

Elvan Setyono, a farmer group leader from West Java who joined the visit, said one of the key lessons from the Philippines was the development of a strong mango processing industry supported by government programs.

"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," he said, as quoted from the press release.

The study tour followed a two-month virtual knowledge exchange held in May and June. During that period, Indonesian and Filipino farmers, researchers and government officials shared experiences in addressing common challenges such as fruit fly infestations and post-harvest losses.

Indonesia contributed its experience in implementing an area-wide fruit fly management approach. It is a collaborative and relatively low-cost method of pest control that Philippine authorities are considering as part of efforts to address mango cecid fly infestations.

The initiative is part of FAO's South-South and Triangular Cooperation program, which promotes knowledge sharing among developing countries. According to FAO, insights from the exchange will help Indonesia improve post-harvest management and irrigation, while supporting the Philippines' efforts to strengthen pest management and good agricultural practices.