Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Tuesday its efforts to enhance the ube (purple yam) industry in the Philippines, driven by its growing popularity in local and global markets. The government aims to support this agricultural sector by providing resources and aid to farmers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted that the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has distributed over 60,000 purple yam planting materials valued at nearly PHP2.6 million to farmers in the Leyte and Bohol regions. Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the strong export potential of ube, with ube-flavored products gaining traction in markets across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that the global recognition of ube presents an opportunity to expand production, boost exports, and contribute to reducing the country's significant agricultural trade deficit. He reiterated that enhancing support for agri-export sectors is crucial for increasing the profitability of Filipino farmers and fostering economic growth, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives.

BPI Director Glenn Panganiban added that this initiative lays the foundation for increased production, higher incomes, and a more robust domestic ube industry. He mentioned that as ube garners worldwide attention, it is essential to ensure that Filipino farmers can capitalize on the opportunities it presents.

The distribution initiative benefited 900 farmers organized into over 60 groups across prominent ube-producing areas in the Visayas. In Bohol, the recipients were from Dagohoy, San Isidro, Lila, Cortes, and Albuquerque, while farmers in Leyte were based in Abuyog, Tacloban, Baybay, Bato, Maasin, Ormoc, Carigara, Mayorga, Palompon, Naval, Mahaplag, Kananga, Burauen, Calubian, and Inopacan.

The BPI continues to offer technical support and capacity-building activities to assist farmers in improving yields and accessing emerging market opportunities. This initiative is being executed in partnership with the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center under the DA's High Value Crops Development Program.