Agriculture.ph Blog

Mango is one of the leading export agricultural products of the Philippines. Bruised mango which is usually caused by the improper handling and harvesting may not qualify in the export market. Harvesting mango is one of the major difficult operations in the mango industry because of the height and profile of the mango tree.

Existing mango picker in the Philippines, which is locally known as “Sigpao” is usually seen in the provinces of Batangas, Rizal, and Pangasinan – the mango growing areas of the country. Based from the results of field tests of the three (3) “Sigpao” models, it showed that Batangas model has an average picking time of 3.58 minutes/kaing with an average of 13.7 kgs. of mangoes. Rizal and Pangasinan models showed slightly longer picking time with an average of 4.34 minutes/kaing of 13.24 kgs. and 5.38 minutes/kaing of 12.8 kgs., respectively.

The two (2) BPI designs called BPI “Sigpao” Models I & II have the advantage over the existing “Sigpao” models. These are on the aspect of convenience in terms of height factor of the mango tree since these models have an extended aluminum handle especially when harvesting under the tree. The picking time recorded for Model I & II is 3.20 minutes/kaing & 2.32 minutes/kaing, respectively. Model I has 2.67% losses while Model II has no losses while conducting the field trial testing.

Research by GY.G. Rodavia, H.R. Maglinao, DY.B. Nilo, R.G. Guerrero, C.V. Orcullo, and T.C. Silva (Engineer II, Draftsman II, Engineer II, Engineer II, Engineer IV, and Engineer V, respectively from the Agricultural Engineering Division of BPI, Manila)

Source: www.da.gov.ph