Amid persistent rains, DA moves to cut vegetable losses

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is strengthening efforts to cut vegetable losses, as persistent rains in producing areas continue to disrupt trade and weaken demand for fresh produce.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has directed the DA regional office in Benguet to assess the situation and assist vegetable farmers in addressing concerns due to persistent weather disruptions and market constraints.

The DA office in the Cordillera Administrative Region said it continues to expand market access to farmers through the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, transport assistance and institutional buyer linkages.

The agency said at least 46 farmer cooperatives and associations have been assisted this month, allowing for the facilitation of the movement of 32.83 metric tons (MT) of vegetables through direct market channels for an estimated gross value of P1.2 million.

Meanwhile, the DA said its seed reserve includes 551 packs of broccoli and carrots and 390 cans of cabbage, Chinese cabbage, lettuce and pakchoi. Also included are 505 packets of mixed vegetable seeds.

The agency said the directive comes after two reported cases of vegetable dumping were seen in Benguet involving Chinese cabbage and carrots, as rainfall caused the produce to be unfit for sale.

“The two documented cases involved approximately 5.8 MT of vegetable losses. The reported losses were attributed to continuous rainfall, wet produce, prolonged queues and congestion at trading centers, reduced marketability and deteriorating road conditions,” the DA said.

DA-CAR regional director Jennilyn Dawayan reported that a shipment of Chinese cabbage were transported to La Trinidad but remained in line for two nights and two days before entering the trading center.

Persistent rains in the province had caused the produce to show signs of rotting and become unfit for sale, prompting the farmer to discard the harvest.

The agency noted that there is a need to implement faster logistics, stronger market linkages and coordinated support programs to help Benguet farmers.