Researchers of the University of the Philippines Mindanao (UP Mindanao) are set to develop a non-invasive grading system and maturity estimation model for Durian using Artificial Intelligence and Imaging through a project with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Science for Change Program (S4CP).  

Davao is the largest grower of Durian in the country which accounts for about 80 percent of the nation’s total production. However, losses in the Durian harvest continue to occur caused by low farm mechanization and postharvest facilities, inconsistencies in fruit grading due to manual inspection, and the inadequate number of skilled workers in durian processing. 

Through a project entitled AI-based Non-Invasive Grading System for Durian (AIDurian), UP Mindanao hopes to address the problem by developing a system that is capable of classifying durian based on ripeness, quality, and variety, providing a more accurate and efficient postharvest classification process.

The new AI-based system will offer significant advantages over traditional methods of durian grading, which are often subjective and time-consuming. 

The project is funded under the Industry-level Collaborative R&D to Leverage Philippine Economy program or i-CRADLE under the DOST S4CP. The implementation will be under the supervision of Dr. Armacheska Mesa-Satina along with Dr. Vladimer Kobayashi, Dr. Emma Ruth Bayugan, and Asst. Prof. Vicente Calag in partnership with 5 Durian processors. The project is expected to begin by the 2nd quarter of 2023.

Project AIDurian is the first i-CRADLE project in Davao Region and is part of DOST’s efforts to expand the benefits of university-industry collaboration in increasing the competitiveness of Philippine industries through R&D.  (DOST XI)