Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Monday that the recent spike in vegetable prices is anticipated to normalize within two weeks as the high-value crops sector begins its recovery. This development comes in the wake of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, which has caused significant damage to agriculture.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DA-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Operations Center has logged approximately PHP847.48 million worth of damage to high-value crops, impacting 7,190 hectares of land. The storm’s effects have led to a decline in vegetable supply from key agricultural regions such as the Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon, resulting in ongoing price increases in Metro Manila and other affected areas.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa, speaking during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, stated that the impact of Kristine typically lasts one to two weeks. He assured that the vegetable supply is expected to reco
ver swiftly, with prices returning to normal levels within the same timeframe. De Mesa reported a decline of over 28,000 metric tons (MT) in vegetable output delivery, as partial and total damage in high-value crops reached 35,616 MT.
Despite the challenges, De Mesa emphasized that consumers have alternative options for accessing affordable agricultural commodities. The DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service is actively coordinating with regional field offices to facilitate ‘market matching’ and ensure the availability of produce from less affected regions such as Visayas, Mindanao, and parts of Luzon.
To further alleviate supply shortages, the DA has deployed Kadiwa food trucks to storm-hit areas. The DA-Bantay Presyo (price watch) reported significant price increases for various vegetables between October 23 and October 31, with price hikes ranging from PHP15 to PHP80 per kilogram. In Metro Manila, notable increases were observed in ampalaya, string beans, tomato, pechay tagalog, eggplant, Bagui
o beans, carrots, and chayote, among others.
