EXPANSION AREAS. Abel James Monteagudo, the director of the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11), bares Tuesday (Jan. 24, 2023) the agency's effort to look for areas for onion production. During a press conference in Davao City, he also assured that DA-11 is addressing the needs of the onion farmers such as hand tractors, irrigation and fertilizer. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)
DAVAO CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) is scouting for areas to expand and produce red onions after its market price skyrocketed due to an alleged shortage.
In a press briefing, DA-11 Director Abel James Monteagudo bared that since 2017, two past DA secretaries had instructed the regional offices to look for onion production areas.
“All regional field offices were given directives to look for production areas. Some regions successfully identified areas, while others failed due to reasons of climate, adaptability, and others,” Monteagudo said.
In Region 11, he said two Davao del Sur towns, namely Magsaysay and Matanao, have started planting red onions for expansion.
“We give them additional support and give them all the necessary interventions,” Monteagudo said.
Likewise, he said DA-11 is also currently eyeing certain onion expansion areas in Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro and Davao del Sur.
In addition, he said the DA is addressing the needs of the onion farmers such as hand tractors, irrigation, and fertilizer.
“We are constantly trying to explore areas for (onion) production. It is quite successful in Davao del Sur because their soil condition is appropriate for onion,” Monteagudo said.
Additional funds, he said, are being sought to further support onion farming.
“The central office is bent on really coming up with actions to address the problem in onions. Rest assured we are not sleeping on this,” Monteagudo said. (PNA)
