Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday announced it has intensified its monitoring efforts to ensure reasonable farmgate prices of onions. DA-Mimaropa Regional Executive Director Christopher Ba±as highlighted that market interventions are being implemented to mitigate potential fluctuations in onion buying prices in Occidental Mindoro, following a directive from DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

According to Philippines News Agency, while the DA cannot impose a price ceiling on farmgate and retail prices of onions, it acknowledges the concerns of farmers about potential price drops during the peak harvest season. Ba±as emphasized that although the agency lacks a direct mandate to set prices, it is committed to extending assistance and implementing interventions to support farmers.

Interventions include the distribution of production inputs such as quality seeds, fertilizers, and other farm support. The DA is also enhancing cold storage facilities to extend the shelf life of harvested onions, thereby preventing unreasonable farmgate prices due to spoilage.

The agency assured stable market access through direct market linkages between farmers and institutional buyers, along with providing technical assistance for onion production and marketing. Continuous information campaigns will update farmers on import policies and prevailing onion prices, protecting them from unscrupulous traders.

Currently, farmgate prices of red onions range from PHP30 to PHP45 per kilo across five municipalities in Occidental Mindoro.