BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 31 -- The Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region (DA-13) is set to develop 2,154 hectares of durian farms in the region.

In a statement Tuesday, the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) of DA-13 said the move aims to meet and sustain the high demands for fresh durian in the international market, particularly in China.

"Currently, the Caraga region has an existing area of 1,315 hectares devoted to durian production," the HVCDP said, adding that identified expansion areas have already been analyzed and found to be suited for the growing of durian fruits.

"The expansion is also in line with the DA's move to boost the production of durian in the country following the recent state visit of President Ferdinand M...