The cultivation and commercialization of indigenous fruit trees is being promoted in the province of Apayao in the Philippines to help alleviate poverty.

Business Mirror reports that the Bureau of Agricultural Research is funding research into different processing technologies for lubeg and other indigenous fruits, and encouraging the growing of fruit trees for sustainable agriculture in the uplands. They envisage Apayao province as “the prime Agroforestry Center in the North.”

Lubeg (Syzygium lineatum) produces a cherry-like fruit that can be used to produce wine, vinegar, jam, jelly and fruit concentrates. Other indigenous fruits being researched include bignay and wild banana.

The project is expected to help improve the socio-economic position of farmers and create income-generating options for other members of the community.

Read the full story: Government bares project to commercialize Apayao’s indigenous fruit