THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking ways to avert further vegetable losses as torrential downpours in Benguet damage crops and temper demand.
This, after reports of Chinese cabbage and carrots being discarded along Labey-Lacamen Road in Tublay, Benguet.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said he directed the regional office to assess the situation, as this adds pressure on growers already beset with production risks and weak market conditions.
Upon verification, DA-Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Regional Executive Director Jennilyn Dawayan said the Chinese cabbage was traced to a farmer from Gambang, Bakun, who harvested 2.5 metric tons (MT) last August 13.
Despite being transported to La Trinidad, the produce remained there for two nights and two days before entering the trading center. Due to torrential rains, the cabbage developed signs of rotting and became unfit for market.
The truck was eventually pulled out, the DA said, with the cabbage unloaded in a vacant lot near Polig’s farm, where passersby and tourists could take the vegetables for free.
Meanwhile, the four metric tons of carrots harvested in Amlimay, Buguias, were brought to the trading center, where only 700 kilos were sold. The remaining produce already showed signs of rotting, prompting the farmer to dump it.
The regional office said it continues to expand market access through Kadiwa, transport assistance, and institutional buyer linkages.
This month, the DA said it has already assisted at least 46 farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs) and facilitated the movement of 32.83 MT of vegetables through direct market channels, valued at P1.2 million.
Despite this, the latest DA monitoring report showed a spike in retail prices of highland vegetables in a span of one week.
As of August 16, rare ball cabbage retails at P99.64 per kilo, from the previous week’s P74.43 per kilo. The price of carrots also spiked to P113.73 per kilo, from P104.87 per kilo.
Prices of red and green bell pepper rose to P232.08 and P255.12 per kilo, from P213.38 and P230.94 per kilo a week ago, respectively. Broccoli also retails at P248.54 per kilo, from P230.4 per kilo.
‘The recent losses underscore the need for faster logistics, stronger market linkages, and coordinated support programs to help Benguet farmers weather both climate and market challenges,’ the DA said.