The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reassured the public that the supply and prices of local red onions will remain stable until the harvest season begins. This announcement was made by DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa on Tuesday, addressing concerns about dwindling local stock, which the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) predicted would be depleted by February 1.
De Mesa explained that the onions harvested last year and stored in cold storage facilities are expected to last until January or February. As of January 17, the inventory of local red onions stood at 8,494.99 metric tons. He emphasized that the timing of the harvest is crucial, as the current stocks are expected to run out just as the new harvest arrives.
The peak harvest season for local red onions, according to De Mesa, extends from January to March. This period should ensure that there is no significant increase in prices. Currently, in Metro Manila, red onion prices range from PHP100 to PHP180 per kilogram, as reported by the DA’s Price Watch.