The Department of Agriculture (DA) will soon launch the Optimization and Resiliency In the Onion Industry Network (ORION) Program in a bid to help the local onion industry improve its production and eventually lead to an ample supply of the agriculture product in the country.
In a statement, the DA said the program was conceptualized during its meeting with stakeholders—growers, traders, and importers— on Monday, Jan. 30 after it was discussed that onion production in the country is not meeting the 260,000 metric tons (MT) annual demand.
ORION aims to promote a competitive, resilient, and profitable onion industry by supplying a high-quality, safe, affordable, and sustainable supply of onion to meet rising domestic demand.
“During its implementation, it will improve productivity and efficiency of onion plantations through PhilGAP (Philippine Good Agricultural Practice) certification, reduce pre- and post-harvest losses, improve product distribution and logistics, and ensure sustainable supply in the local market,” the DA said in a statement.
Among the strategies and programs that will be implemented is the provision of easy access credit loans for the purchase of equipment and the establishment of facilities. Farmer clusters and associations will be formed in order to facilitate production and market integration.
The agriculture department said among the strategies and programs that will be carried out is providing easy access credit loans, which may be used for the purchase of equipment and establishment of facilities. Also, farmer clusters and associations will be organized for production and market integration.
The DA said the ORION will also promote innovative farming technologies and value-added processes in order to maximize production and income.
In addition, the agriculture department said it will oversee regulatory activities and advocate for the establishment of a national information database to ensure accurate and timely data on production and marketing.
“The department will continue to carry out an intensified distribution scheme for production and marketing support, to allow the sector to grow and profit.
In the same meeting, it was suggested that the Local Price Coordinating Council under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) be tapped for more efficient price monitoring.
Per the DA data, a total of 283,172 MT red and yellow onions and shallots were harvested from the 29,728 hectare production area in 2022. The monthly requirement, on the other hand, was posted at 21, 679 MT.
“Thirty-five percent loss is also noted after harvest due to lack of facilities such as cold storages and improper handling. In 2022 alone, the DA recorded a 100,000 MT loss,” the DA said.