The Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured the stability of local red onion supply and pricing with the harvest season underway. Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa addressed concerns about stock inventory, which the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) indicated might be depleted by February 1.
We expect that the harvest from last year will last until January or February, those that are in our cold storages," de Mesa stated.
As of January 17, local red onion stocks stand at 8,494.99 metric tons. De Mesa mentioned, "It's just timing. Your stocks are about to run out and your harvest is set to arrive," noting favorable harvest conditions.
The peak harvest period is January to March, suggesting no price increase. In Metro Manila, red onion prices range from $1.76 to $3.17 per kilogram, according to DA Bantay Presyo.
Source: PNA