Problems needing immediate solutions

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering lowering the suggested retail price (SRP) of onions to P125 per kilo due to the entry of imported onions as well as the coming harvest season of local growers. But it was immediately followed by a statement saying the markets may not follow their SRP. DA deputy spokesman Rex Estoperez did not say whether those who do not comply will be jailed, fined, or any other punishment. So, what was that all about?

According to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, municipal agriculturist Romel Calingasan, onions sold for more than P600 per kilo were bought from growers for only P8-?15 pesos per kilo from March to April last year. Calingasan added because of the insufficient storage facilities for the harvested onions, many growers were forced to sell their produce at a low price, and those that were not sold simply rotted.

You don't have to be a genius to see the big difference between the growers' price and the market or grocery price. The growers are at an obvious disadvantage. They work the hardest in the line from farm to market. Some growers even thought they would be able to sell their harvested onions at a higher price because of the current market value, but then the government decided to import them. Many lost money, while some no longer want to continue growing the commodity.

The problems are clearly seen. One is the lack of cold storage facilities for onions once harvested. Why doesn't the government build these cold storage facilities if this is the first problem the farmers are facing? Another issue is that lawmakers have talked about syndicates or cartels for a long time. These are those who take advantage of the poverty of the farmers. They buy low, hoard them since they have the means to store them, wait for the market value to rise, and then sell high. No administration seems able to abolish them. Perhaps the syndicates make sure they are not touched by the government. These are the problems that need immediate solutions.

I have said many times that the welfare of the farmers should come first. But it doesn't seem like that is being done, and government only has token actions to show they are doing something about it. If this is the way it is, then the agriculture sector will not prosper. Would you still want to farm if this is the way you are always treated? Farms have already started closing or downsizing, not just with onions but with other commodities as well like layer and poultry farms and piggeries. I dread the day when the remaining local farming industry can no longer supply the food needs of the country.