The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday said it has intensified its monitoring to ensure reasonable farmgate prices of onions.

DA-Mimaropa Regional Executive Director Christopher Bañas said market interventions are underway to cushion the effects of possible changes in onion buying prices in Occidental Mindoro following the order of DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

“While price movements depend on prevailing market conditions, we would like to assure them that we continue to take action to provide the necessary support,” he said in a news release.

Although the DA cannot impose a price ceiling for farmgate and retail prices of onions, the agency recognizes the concerns of farmers about possible drop due to the peak harvest season.

“At present, our agency does not have a direct mandate to set prices. However, within the scope of our authority and responsibilities, we are doing everything we can to extend assistance and implement interventions that will help ease their situation,” Bañas said.

Among the interventions is the distribution of production inputs such as quality seeds, fertilizers and other farm support.

Bañas said cold storage facilities are also strengthened to extend the shelf life of harvested onions and prevent unreasonable farmgate price ahead of spoilage.

The agency also assured direct market linkage between farmers and institutional buyers to provide stable market access, as well as the provision of technical assistance to local farmers for both onion production and marketing.

Updates on import policies and prevailing onion prices will also be provided through continuous information campaigns to protect local farmers from unscrupulous traders.

Farmgate prices of red onions are currently at PHP30 to PHP45 per kilo across five municipalities in Occidental Mindoro. (PNA)