Group welcomes 35,000 metric tons red onion imports

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines —  The Samahan ng Industriyang Agrikultura (Sinag) welcomed the news about the government’s importation of as much as 35,000 metric tons of red onions following the price hike of the commodity due to low supply in the market.

Sinag chairman Rosendo So said the harvest of red onions in the country would be from March to April, and he believes the importation will not affect local supplies “as long as it will arrive during off-season, between January to February.” 

He said they would closely monitor the entry of the imported product “but so far, right now, there’s no imported supply yet.” 

So related that there is limited harvest of red onions in Bayambang, Pangasinan, which is known for its big production. 

“The volume (of production) is still low to serve the entire country,” he continued, adding that aside from Bayambang, there is also red onion production in Mindoro.

The Sinag chair pointed out that some of the crops planted early were destroyed by typhoons so the price now is quite high. For example, in Bayambang, a kilo of red onions is sold at P160 farm gate price. 

“That’s positive price because it used to be P40 a kilo only but at least now, the price is good but the volume of production is really low,” So added. 

He said they are set to meet tomorrow with Agriculture Secretary William Dar to discuss this and other agricultural matters.