The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines has reported no evidence of onion hoarding following a comprehensive inspection of cold storage facilities across the nation. The Bureau of Plant Industry's assessment revealed that only 500 metric tons of red onions are stored in warehouses, predominantly located in Southern Tagalog and Central Luzon.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. initiated the inspection in response to elevated retail prices of onions. According to DA spokesman Arnel de Mesa, local harvest figures were estimated at 30 metric tons. "We expect the peak of harvest between March and April, with an expected harvest for red onions at 145,000 MT and 35,000 MT for white onions," he stated.
De Mesa further indicated that the 4,000 metric tons of imported onions are relatively minor compared to the anticipated local harvest. "Most of the imported bulbs came from China. Most of the volume will be arriving this week," he added.
Source: philstar global