The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines is contemplating the issuance of additional import clearances for yellow onions following a decline in supply due to recent storms. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. announced the decision to supplement the yellow onion supply by 1,000 metric tons (MT) on top of the previously approved 16,000 MT in August, aimed to replenish stocks deemed sufficient only until the end of that month. This move is in response to the current inventory levels totaling 1,796.9 MT as of Nov. 22, primarily consisting of imports, as reported by the Bureau of Plant Industry.
Secretary Laurel highlighted the necessity of the additional imports arriving before December ends, in anticipation of the domestic onion harvest commencing in February of the following year. Furthermore, the DA is evaluating the need for importing small quantities of other vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, and broccoli to mitigate potential price surges caused by typhoon-induced damages to vegetable farmers' access roads. However, Laurel indicated a possibility that further imports of these vegetables might not be pursued.
Source: Business World