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Bicol's Pili Nut Soars As Profitable Commodity Through R&D
Bicol's Pili Nut Soars As Profitable Commodity Through R&D
Bicol has the largest producer of pili in the country with an estimated share of 85 percent of the domestic production or
6,258 tons, of which the bulk is produced by its four provinces – Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes.
Being an indigenous crop of the Bicol region, pili gained fame as a popular snacks and pasalubong for the locals especially
foreign tourists visiting the region. Seeing that there is a demand not only in the domestic market but also in the
international arena, the Department of Agriculture- Regional Field Office 5 (DA-RFO 5) poured its investments in
research and development (R&D) for the improvement of pili’s production, postharvest, processing and other value-
adding activities.
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Gene bank was also established and maintained by DA-RFO 5 for the pili germplasm collection. Another
study was initiated to identify, collect, and evaluate pili cultivars, by which promising strains were
submitted to NSIC for approval as variety. After its approval, these varieties were propagated through
asexual propagation and later sold or distributed to interested clients. At present, there are eight pili
varieties approved by NSIC, and 74 promising strains being maintained in the region. Most of these are
planted at the Albay Experiment Station clona orchard/scion grove.
As part of information campaign on pili, the Regional Technology Commercialization Center is currently
disseminating the results of the analysis on pili kernel, pili pulp and pili oil conducted by the DOST-Food
and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) Service Laboratory. The information generated was
incorporated on the product labels to educate the consumers on the nutritional content of pili.
One important characteristic of the pili tree is its resiliency to climate change. Pili is known to be sturdy
and could withstand strong winds, floods, and can easily recover from typhoons. It is easy to grow and
resistant to pest and diseases. Once it is established or planted in the field it requires minimum
maintenance. It also consumes less water. The pili kernel, on the other hand, can be stored for over a
year at room temperature after removing the pulp and dried.
Money-making opportunities for Pili
According to Regional Executive Director (RED) Elena de los Santos, DA is continuously providing
interventions to develop and promote pili industry. Improved postharvest and processing techniques
and market promotion, in partnership with other stakeholders through participation at local and
international agricultural fairs and exhibits, are some of the activities undertaken to boost the industry.
Due to renewed interest on pili products, market expanded
According to Regional Executive Director (RED) Elena de los Santos, DA is continuously providing
interventions to develop and promote pili industry. Improved postharvest and processing techniques
and market promotion, in partnership with other stakeholders through participation at local and
international agricultural fairs and exhibits, are some of the activities undertaken to boost the industry.
Due to renewed interest on pili products, market expanded for pili candies (roasted, glazed, and salted).
These products are accommodated by big commercial establishments including SM, Robinson, Market
Market, Rustans, Duty Free Shops, hotels, and other pasalubong centers.
Another initiative being done by DA, with partner agencies, is the mechanization of nut cracking in
response to the increasing demand. At present, due to non-uniformity of pili nuts, nut cracking is still
being done manually. Other efforts on the mechanization of post-production processing of pili is
collaboratively being undertaken by various institutions such as DOST and state university and colleges
(SUCs) for the production of prototype harvesting device, de-pulper and de-sheller. Storage studies and
improvement of raw kernel and products, oil extraction and utilization technologies were also
developed.
Given that pili is comparable to that of almonds and walnuts, its potential to shine in the global market
is huge. Pili is now being introduced in the new product line of chocolate products. Based on the Value
Chain Analysis for pili conducted by the DA-Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS), the
country’s export of pili nuts registered a positive growth in terms of volume and value. For 2012 alone,
exports were valued at US$ 65,962 of which Canada absorbing the bulk, together with USA, Bahrain,
Japan, Norway, and Germany. Also, pili processors are now exploring China and Europe as potential
markets.
RED de los Santos believed that cooperation and collaboration among industry players will encourage
pili growers and processors to produce quality nuts fetching premium price. At present, pili is being
marketed as fresh whole fruit, dried nuts, or shelled kernels. Prices are low during the harvest season
(May-September) but command a high price during the rest of the year with peak during April and
December. The current price of shelled kernels ranges from Php 300-500 per kilogram.
For 2017, the High Value Commercial Crops Program (HVCDP) allocated funds to all DA-RFO 5
Research Outreach Stations to produce a total of 430,000 sexual and asexually propagated pili seedlings
for distribution in the region. This is part of DA’s program to expand the areas for pili production in
response to increasing demand for this commodity.
Through R&D, pili solidifies its position as a profitable commodity that Bicolanos can truly benefit from.
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For more information about the project, please contact Ms. Mabelle R. Ilan, Senior Science Research Specialist, Pili, Camarines Sur. Mobile No: 0908-
820-7516; Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">[email protected]
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12/23/2017 Bicol's Pili Nut Soars as Profitable Commodity through R&D
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