MANILA — The Department of Agriculture said it has intensified monitoring to ensure reasonable farmgate prices for onions amid the peak harvest season in Occidental Mindoro.

DA-Mimaropa Regional Executive Director Christopher Bañas said market interventions are underway following orders from DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to support farmers against sudden price drops.

“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,” Bañas said.

Although the DA cannot impose a price ceiling for farmgate or retail prices, it is implementing measures to cushion the impact of fluctuating prices. These include distributing production inputs such as quality seeds, fertilizers, and other farm support, as well as strengthening cold storage facilities to extend the shelf life of harvested onions.

Bañas added that the agency is facilitating direct market linkages between farmers and institutional buyers to ensure stable access and providing technical assistance on onion production and marketing. Continuous information campaigns on import policies and prevailing prices are also being conducted to protect local farmers from unscrupulous traders.

Currently, farmgate prices of red onions range from PHP30 to PHP45 per kilo across five municipalities in Occidental Mindoro.