By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to launch the Optimization and Resiliency in the Onion Industry Network (ORION) program to boost the local production of onion industry.
The DA’s High Value Crops Program, Agriculture, and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) and other concerned units met with onion growers, traders, importers, and other stakeholders on Monday, Jan. 30, at the request of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s request to resolve issues that have caused a price spike in onions.
The DA noted that the lack of cold storage and improper handling caused a 35% loss after harvest which made the agency lose 100,000 metric tons (MT) of onions in 2022.
It added that the rising cost of production inputs like fertilizers and seed, low mechanization and high labor cost, expensive marketing and distribution also affected the price of onions.
The ORION project promotes a competitive, resilient, and profitable onion industry that meets rising domestic demand with high-quality, safe, affordable, and sustainable onions.
It is seen to increase onion plantation productivity and efficiency, reduce pre- and post-harvest losses, improve product distribution and logistics, and ensure local market sustainability.
Under ORION, innovative farming technologies and value-adding processes will maximize production and income.
To grow and profit, the Department will intensify production and marketing support distribution.
In 2022, 29,728 hectares produced 283,172 MT red and yellow onions as well as shallots.
However, the monthly requirement is 21,679 MT. – gb
