DOST, UP Mindanao Eyes AI, Imaging Tech to Determine Ripeness of Durian

UP Mindanao and DOST's AIDurian project to boost durian production in Davao

University of the Philippines Mindanao researchers are eyeing the development of 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 durian-grower in the country, accounting for about 80 percent of the nation’s total production. However, farmers are challenged by the continued losses in Durian harvest due to the following reasons:

• Low farm mechanization and postharvest facilities
• Inconsistencies in fruit grading due to manual inspection
• Inadequate number of skilled workers in durian processing

UP Mindanao hopes to address the problem through a project called AI-based Non-Invasive Grading System for Durian or AIDurian. The project seeks to develop a system capable of classifying durian based on ripeness, quality, and variety. It will also provide 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. 

AIDurian is funded under the Industry-level Collaborative Research and Development 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 five 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.