VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur – An initial 25 metric tons of onion shallot bulbs were distributed to various local government units (LGUs) in this province on Thursday, Sept. 1.
The distribution was in line with the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) vision of increasing the sufficiency level of onions in the Ilocos region and enhancing the potential earnings of onion growers.
The DA Regional Field Office-1, through the High Value Crops Development Program, together with Gov. Jeremias Singson, led the distribution at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center here.
Jennilyn Dawayan, DA Region 1 executive director, said out of the 50-metric ton allocation for this province, 25 metric tons have been delivered and subsequently distributed to nine farmer cooperatives.
The remaining 25 metric tons will be delivered within the month for distribution to the seven farmer cooperatives.
Dawayan said that the 25 metric tons distributed are expected to yield about 300 metric tons of shallot onions.
Another 300-metric tons additional harvest from the remaining 25-metric ton planting materials set for distribution once delivered by the supplier are also expected.
Using the roll-over scheme of project implementation, the DA turned over the planting materials to the farmers association who shall manage the distribution and payments in kind to farmer-recipients after harvest with the supervision of the local government units in this province.
Bantay, Cabugao, Caoayan, San Juan, Sta. Catalina, Sto. Domingo, Sinait, and Vigan City took part in the ceremonial distribution.
The Ilocos region is the second largest producer of onions in the country.