The Department of Agriculture (DA) has stepped up monitoring and assistance for onion farmers in Occidental Mindoro, focusing on stabilizing farmgate prices and supporting local producers amid fluctuating market conditions.

Under the guidance of Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel, Jr., Task Force Sibuyas has been tracking onion prices in five municipalities, where farmgate prices for red onions ranged from P30 to P45 per kilogram last week.

Regional Executive Director Atty. Christopher R. Bañas said initiatives aim to lower production costs and increase farmers’ earnings.

Key interventions include providing quality seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs; strengthening cold storage facilities to extend shelf life; expanding market linkages; offering technical guidance on production and marketing; and sharing timely information on import policies and price trends.

“We understand the concerns and the challenges being faced by our farmers under the current onion price situation. 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. At present, our agency does not have a direct mandate to set prices; however, within the scope of our authority and responsibilities, we are doing everything we can to extend assistance and implement interventions that will help ease their situation,” Bañas said.