Onion farmers worry over looming importation

Several farmers express worry over the government's looming importation of onions which may coincide with the harvest season in February.

According to Mark Salazar’s report on “24 Oras” on Monday, the PESA Onion and Vegetable Farmers Association was concerned the administration might use the recent flooding in the towns of Bongabon and Gabaldon in Nueva Ecija to justify its planned importation of 22,000 metric tons of onions.

“Bago po sana umangkat magkaroon po ng isang talakayan 'yung katulad naming mga maliliit na samahan ng mga magsasaka nang maintindihan ng mga magsasaka kung bakit at paano,” Victor Layug, the group's chairperson, said.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has conducted a dialogue with onion farmers from Pangasinan who were likewise concerned about the importation scheme.

“Katulad nga ng sinasabi nilang 22,000 metric tons na ano almost 800 box 'yan. Sobrang dami naman niyan. Kawawa naman 'yung local na sibuyas natin, wala nang magiging presyo niyan,” Roberto Carina, one of the farmers, said.

DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said there is no final word yet on the importation but promised the government would consult with farmers before arriving at a decision.

“‘Pag dumating ang imported na sibuyas, paano po makaka-compete ang ating mga farmers? Kaya pinag-uusapan paano niyo mapapababa ang presyo knowing na pag dumating ang imported, mas mura 'yan compared sa local,” she said.

Meanwhile, Carina said they can fulfill the country’s onion requirements during the harvest season which will drive down prices next month.

“Ngayon parami na ang ani. Saan mapupunta 'yan kundi babagsak ang presyo?” he said.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News