Filipino farmers are expressing concerns over increased vegetable imports, impacting local produce prices. In Nueva Ecija, known as the Onion Capital of the Philippines, farmers like Marife, who has been in the industry for nearly three decades, report reduced earnings. "If there's no harvest, there's no income," she stated, highlighting the challenges faced due to low market prices.
The importation of onions, primarily from China, Indonesia, and India, has been a point of contention. The Department of Agriculture (DA) approved these imports to stabilize prices, which previously soared to approximately $12.50 per kilo. However, local farmers argue that the timing coincides with their harvest season, affecting their income. Geron, a farmer from Barangay Pesa, invested heavily in onion cultivation but expects lower returns this season. "There's nothing wrong with importation, but they should have at least waited until our harvest season was over," he noted.
Tomato farmers also face challenges due to oversupply, with prices dropping significantly. Richard, who transitioned from seafaring to farming, invested in tomato cultivation only to see prices fall to around $0.07 per kilo. Efforts to mitigate waste include initiatives like Rescue Buy by Rural Rising Philippines, which offers better prices for farmers' produce.
The Bongabon Agriculture Department is coordinating with the DA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to address these issues. DA Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Caballero acknowledged the timing concerns, stating, "We need to import when the harvest season is approaching, but only to address a small supply gap." She emphasized that the importation was a stop-gap measure and not intended to affect local pricing significantly.
Efforts to improve storage facilities are underway, though high electricity costs remain a challenge. Caballero also suggested solutions like dehydration facilities for tomatoes to extend their shelf life. The DA aims to ensure sustainability and profitability for farmers through continued outreach and market linkages.
Source: GMA News Online