The Ministry of Agriculture (DA) said that it has approved the import of 4,000 tons (MT) to onions to guarantee stable prices with low shares.
In a statement, agricultural secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. That the DA shipments of 3,000 MT red onions and 1,000 MT will allow white onions within two weeks.
He added that imports will connect the food gap until the domestic harvest arrives.
“We will not risk a potential deficit that traders can exploit to increase prices, as we saw in the past. We don’t want a repeat of the 2022 crisis, “said Laurel.
In 2022, onion prices increased to no less than P700 per kilo due to a shortage of domestic delivery and delayed input.
Last year the DA allowed the import of white onion with a total of 17,000 MT, after postponing the input until August due to a bumper harvest.
The DA has said that last year’s red onions are expected to last until February when the harvest starts.
According to Bureau or Plant Industry (BPI), the Red UI inventory was 2,325.86 mt, with white onion stocks at 70.161 MT from January 31.
Monthly consumption of red onions was estimated at 17,000 MT and white onions 4,000 MT, the BPI said.
“Although during our consultative meetings we were sure that there is still enough onions, the BPI ordered minimal input to prevent large price peaks,” said BPI director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban.
“Also, because of the typhoons that touch at the end of last year and the prevalence of vermin and diseases, this entry is intended as a buffer for possible delivery slacunes. This step is a preventive measure, “Mr. Panganiban added.
He said that the agency projects the onion harvest to reach 33,000 MT by March.
In 2024 the onion production increased by 4.7% to 264,322 MT, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. – Adrian H. Halili