The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) has announced it will trial a new mango drying system next year, website Bworldonline.com reported.

The government agency pilot-scale conveyor dryer set uses far-infrared and convection heating (FIRCH) to dry mango slices, and is the result of a study from researchers Robelyn E. Daquila and Romualdo C. Martinez.

PhilMech expects the technology will help costs for processed food manufacturers.

"Based on research by PhilMech, the local mango industry is constrained by limited drying capacity to achieve maximum production," PhilMech executive director Rex L. Bingabing was quoted as saying in a statement.

"And the industry must take advantage of the peak harvest season from March to April to produce as much dried mangoes [as possible] which has a growing export demand."

He highlighted dried mangoes were an important part of the local mango industry, but out of the US$35 million in mango exports in 2010, processed mango products only accounted for 10%.

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