Benise Balaoing

Imported onions go for sale at the Pasig City Mega Market on January 25, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Imported Onions in Market

Jervis Manahan

ABS-CBN News

MANILA (UPDATE) — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said he has authorized the importation of more red and white onions to the Philippines.In a news release, the DA said it have authorized the importation of 3,000 metric tons of red onions and 1,000 metric tons of white onions. Both varieties are expected to arrive within the next 2 weeks, he said.“This is intended to ensure we have a sufficient buffer stocks while we await the fresh harvest,” said Agriculture secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.“We will not risk a potential shortage that unscrupulous traders could exploit to drive up prices, as we saw in the past. We do not want a repeat of the 2022 crisis,” he added.Price of onions spiked to as high as P700 per kilo in late 2022 until early 2023 due to a supply shortage worsened by delayed imports.Data from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) shows monthly consumption is 17,000 metric tons for red onions and 4,000 metric tons for white onions.As of mid-January, BPI reported that red onion stocks in storage stood at 8,500 metric tons, while white onion stocks were at 1,628 metric tons. “While we were assured during our consultative meetings that there is still ample supply of onions, BPI recommended minimal imports to prevent major price spikes,&quot; said BPI Director Glenn Panganiban. &quot;This move is a preemptive measure,” Panganiban said. However, agriculture groups sounded an alarm. &quot;Na-delay lang ng ilang linggo ang pagtatanim ng mga onion farmers dahil sa Bagyong Pepito that hit the country on the first week of November last year. Why not wait until after harvest?&quot; said Jayson Cainglet, Executive Director of agricultural group SINAG. &quot;How can BPI claim any shortage when farmers are just starting to harvest and therefore no record yet of yield per hectare. There are in fact, existing stocks in the hands of traders and retailers,&quot; he added. Prices of onions have been shooting up in recent days, reaching P180 to P200 in retail in some markets in Quezon City.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said he has authorized the importation of more red and white onions to the Philippines.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said he has authorized the importation of more red and white onions to the Philippines.

Agri dept allows more onion imports

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Agri dept allows more onion imports

Benise Balaoing,

Jervis Manahan,

ABS-CBN News

Published February 06, 2025 12:01 PM PHT

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Updated February 06, 2025 02:14 PM PHT

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