MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is set to export 500 metric tons (MT) of Hawaiian ginger to Pakistan and Singapore by year-end, according to country’s largest crop consolidator.
The Vegetable Importers, Exporters and Vendors Association of the Philippines (VIEVA) said the ginger would come from farms in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Quezon province, and some parts of Pampanga.
Fort Magsaysay is one of the idle military camps where the Agriculture and Defense departments have established cultivation areas.
“We will export 500 metric tons of ginger to Pakistan and Singapore by year-end. We are just waiting for the produce from Quezon,†said VIEVA Philippines chairman Leah Cruz.
VIEVA and the Department of Agriculture are pushing for the revival of spice exports from the Philippines.
“DA has provided planting materials to our farmers. We, on the other hand recommended the right varieties that farmers should plant,†said Cruz.
The Philippines stopped exporting ginger in 2004 after production fell.
“Now we are now reviving exports,†said Cruz.
Aside from ginger, VIEVA has also gotten hold of contracts for the exportation of at least 500 metric tons of white onion to Japan next year, taking advantage of the ongoing cropping season.
“We are now finalizing the land preparations. Since we are in the peak season, we can export a minimum of 20 containers. Each container has 25 metric tons which is valued at $ 500 to $ 600 per metric ton,†Cruz said.
VIEVA is also planning to export shallots to Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia this year.
The Philippines used to be a regular exporter to these countries but this was stopped after the importing countries required exporters to have a Good Agricultural Practice certificate.
“ But the Department of Agriculture already helped our farmers and they are certified so we can now resume our exports. We still have to see the volume,†said Cruz.