Fruit growers of Taichung County in central Taiwan have supplied more than 340 metric tons of ponkan mandarin oranges to Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries since mid-January, the Tungshih Farmers Association indicated Wednesday.

A spokesman for the association noted that with the Lunar New Year holiday drawing near, ponkan mandarin oranges produced in Taichung County, especially Tungshih township, are in great demand, with Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia being major importers of the fruit.

He said such exports would not only bring increased revenues to fruit farmers, but also help stabilize the price of the autumnal fruit on the domestic market.

The ponkan mandarin orange is a favorite fruit for people in Taiwan and other southeast Asian countries not only because it is available in autumn and winter, but also because of its bright color, sweet fragrance and taste, and ease in peeling.

Orchards in Tungshih township are best known for this fruit, and produce more than 1,000 metric tons a year.