Farm-gate prices of onions in major onion-producing provinces such as Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, and Mindoro Occidental have significantly declined, prompting the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) to call for increased financial aid to onion farmers.
The FFF expressed concern over the drop in farm-gate prices, which have fallen to as low as P10 to P50 per kilogram in Bayambang town, Pangasinan, compared to P300 to P400 per kg in January last year.
The decline in prices is attributed to the late arrival of imports, worm infestations, and reduced irrigation due to depleted water sources.
The FFF urged the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) to provide crop insurance to onion farmers to alleviate their financial burden. The government’s support is seen as crucial to assist onion farmers during this challenging period.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 26, 2024
