The Department of Agriculture (DA) is intensifying efforts to elevate the country’s self-sufficiency in garlic to 20% by expanding domestic production in the Ilocos region and other areas nationwide.
To reduce the country’s reliance on imported supplies, the DA is prioritizing garlic as a banner high-value crop program due to its increasing demand for household and processing use.
The initiative aims to address the situation where the Philippines imports approximately 98% of its annual garlic requirement, estimated at about 130,000 metric tons and includes plans to create a multiplier farm in Batanes to produce seedlings for distribution to identified production areas.
The DA’s focus on boosting local garlic production aligns with the country’s aim to regain its status as a significant garlic producer, particularly in the Ilocos region, known for its “white gold” garlic variety with distinct aroma and taste.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 5, 2024
