The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the successive typhoons last year caused a reduction in the harvest of agricultural crops, including tomatoes, which is now driving up their prices in the markets.

This comes as some consumers expressed concern about tomatoes being sold at P30 per piece in some local markets.

“Because of the series of typhoons last year, [they] caused extensive damage to the crops in their vegetative and reproductive states, particularly in regions and areas producing these solanaceous family crops, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, and chili peppers,” DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel V. de Mesa said in a media briefing on Monday.

De Mesa said the affected areas included Cagayan Valley, the Bicol Region and Calabarzon, which resulted in significant supply shortages not only of tomatoes but also bell peppers and chili peppers (siling labuyo).

He said there was a significant reduction of 45 percent in tomato production going into the fourth quarter last year.

However, he said price of tomatoes may be expected to go down by the end of January or early February as the harvest season begins.

Based on the latest data from the DA’s Bantay Presyo, tomato prices in major wet markets in Metro Manila range from P180 to P310 per kilo. Meanwhile, bell peppers and chili peppers are priced between P180 and P800 per kilo and P240 and P950 per kilo, respectively.

DA names new undersecretary

Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has named Assistant Secretary Constante J. Palabrica, a veterinarian, undersecretary-designate for livestock.

This follows the passing of Undersecretary Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano who had headed the National Livestock Program.

The Agri chief issued Special Order No. 11 on Tuesday, stating that Palabrica shall assume the responsibilities inherent to the designation, along with other duties as directed by the secretary, in concurrent capacity as Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry, as well as his other designations.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Department of Agriculture credited Palabrica for his key role in overseeing the swine and poultry sectors, addressing the African swine fever and bird flu by implementing policies that supported the industries during the crises.

Palabrica’s appointment is subject to the approval of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.