Farmers' group urges importation of onions to temper prices

Agriculture group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) has urged the government to buy onions from abroad to help stabilize the supply in the market and curb continuous increase in the price of the vegetable.

According to Bernadette Reyes’ report on "24 Oras" on Friday, the group suggested the importation of at least 2,500 metric tons of red onions and 3,500 metric tons of white onions.

“We hope na kung maipasok yan eh maibenta nang P80 yung puting sibuyas at makakatulong yun. Doon sa pula at least baba ng P50 to P140,” SINAG president Rosendo So said.

Based on the data of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the prevailing price of red onions in Metro Manila markets is P280 per kilo.

Meanwhile, at the Kadiwa market onion may be bought at P170 per kilo. However, the government-run stores only has limited stocks and only has select branches.

“Sa palengke po kasi masyadong mahal eh P300 per kilo kaya dito na lang po ako pumunta,” Karen Baratolla, shopper at the Kadiwa market, said.

The DA said it is studying the proposal to import onions.  Currently, it said at least 10,000 metric tons for the holiday season,

The department said this is expected to increase hen the harvests from Central and Southern Luzon come in.

“We have to go the ground para ma-check natin kung yun po ay makapagbigay ng significant increase in our inventory,” DA deputy spokesperson Rez Estoperez said.

Senator Imee Marcos, meanwhile, urged authorities to run after the smugglers in the country.

“Parang buong mundo alam kung sino ang smuggler, alam kung saan yung bodega, ang nahuhuli sa balita ay yung Customs lang at DA, dyan naman ako nagtataka,” Marcos said.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News