An economic assessment of the impact of mango pulp weevil on the agricultural sector of Palawan, Philippines

Beginning in 1987, the export of Palawan mangoes was prohibited and the entire province placed under quarantine as a result of the mango pulp weevil (MPW). Since the ban, a number of significant trends in yield, production and area planted have emerged in Palawan’s mango industry. This study evaluated trends in yield, production and area planted as well as differences in yield between Palawan and the national average. Using data for Palawan from 1990 to 2009, it was revealed that overall mango production declined by 30%, average yield per tree fell by more than 50%, while, perversely, the area planted to mango has nearly doubled. Although yield losses are not directly related to MPW damage, the decline in yields and production can be directly related to the policies, farm practices and economic conditions created by the MPW quarantine. Of particular relevance is loss of access to both the domestic and international markets. Trends in national mango production, yield and area planted were also identified for the Philippines. In Palawan, potential causes of yield reduction in mango were identified and policy recommendations were made. Furthermore, farm gate and retail prices adjusted for inflation were used to evaluate the potential economic losses to farmers and the retail economy as a result of yield decreases. Lastly, changes in crop diversity and specialization of the agricultural sector of Palawan were computed