Benguet farmers struggle with low prices of vegetables

Farmers in Benguet province are struggling with falling prices of vegetables amid oversupply.

According to Jasmin Gabriel-Galban’s report on “24 Oras,” some farmers were forced to sell their produce at low prices just to earn back their capital.

Jomar Bugtong delivered a truckload of potatoes to La Trinidad Trading Post but instead of his expected price of P45 to P50 per kilo, he sold them only at P30 to P35 per kilo.

Another farmer, Marvin Mayeat-an, sold his cabbages at P7 to P8 per kilo.

“Sa nakaraan naman kahit marami, mataas naman. Ngayon, hindi naman masyado eh sobrang mababa,” he said.

(Before, even if there was abundant supply we can still command a good price.  Now, prices are really low.)

While there is oversupply, farmers and vendors observed there is also reduced demand for vegetables, especially in Metro Manila.

“Di mo masasabi na over yung supply kung bumaba yung presyuhan kasi siguro yung quality din at yung demand at mga opening ng ibang market natin,” Janice Binay-an Alleg, La Trinidad Market Supervisor, said.

As of July 20, at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post cabbages can be bought at P7 to P8 per kilo; sayote, P7 to P8; potatoes P30 to P35; cauliflower, P70 to P75; carrots, P30 to P50; and Baguio beans at P30 to P45.

Farmers reiterated their appeal to the government to stabilize the prices at the trading post and to take action against importation, which they said negatively impacts on the local vegetable industry.

The Department of Agriculture said is it coordinating with the local government for a dialogue with the farmers. It likewise assured them they are on standby to buy the local produce.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA News