‘Lugi ang mga magsasaka’: Farmers’ group slams DA over onion imports during harvest season

February 6, 2025 , 05:55 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(February 6, 2025) – A farmers’ group on Thursday slammed the Department of Agriculture (DA) for authorizing onion imports at the start of the harvest season in the Philippines.

The DA confirmed the approval of importing 3,000 metric tons of red onions and 1,000 metric tons of white onions. They are expected to arrive in the next two weeks.

In a statement, Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) questioned the timing of the decision, particularly since there’s “no verified shortage” of supply.

“Bakit laging kating ang kamay ng ilang kawani ng Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) na mag-import ng sibuyas gayong paani na ang ating mga onion farmers?” said SINAG. “Why the rush? Why the declaration of shortage? May hinahabol ba silang import quota?”

The BPI is an attached agency of the DA.

SINAG explained that delays caused by Typhoon Pepito last November shifted the usual harvest season of onions from January to March to February to April this year.

“Ilang araw at linggo na lang ang aantayin, bakit kailangan ang pag-aangkat ng sibuyas, na darating mismo (20-25 days time) sa panahon ng anihan?” added SINAG.

According to the BPI, around 40,334 metric tons of locally produced red onions are in cold storage and are expected to last until the end of March. It noted that the projected imports aim to ensure sufficient supply until April.

Onion prices have surged this year, with the DA’s latest monitoring showing red onions selling between P140 and P200 per kilo in Metro Manila markets.

SINAG called on the DA to prioritize local farmers over imports.

“Sa takot ng pagpasok ng import, maraming onion farmers na ang nag-aani ng sibuyas kahit hindi pa panahon dahil sa takot ng pagbagsak ng presyo ng ani kapag pumasok na ang onion imports,” said SINAG. “Talo at lugi na naman ang mga magsasaka.”

(With reports from JC Cosico, News5)

(PM)

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