The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines anticipates a decrease in vegetable retail prices following the commencement of the harvest season. Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa mentioned: "Prices will start to decline within the week because farmers have already begun harvesting their produce," highlighting the expected decrease in tomato prices as southern Tagalog farmers initiate their harvest.
Recent price surges in public markets were attributed to adverse weather and the El Niño phenomenon, delaying harvest onset in several regions. "This is probably an effect of shifting weather conditions … In the case of tomatoes, the commodity was severely affected by El Niño," de Mesa explained. Additionally, rising oil prices have influenced vegetable prices.
To mitigate this, the DA plans to distribute P510.447 million in fuel subsidies to about 160,000 eligible farmers.
[ P 10 = €0.16 ]
Source: asianews.network