IT’S RATHER awkward for an agricultural country like the Philippines to be sourcing farm yields from other countries, says Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel who hinted at government efforts to reduce the country’s agricultural importation — starting with garlic.
According to Laurel, the agency is looking at the possibility of turning the coastal town of Lubang in Occidental Mindoro into a key supplier of the native culinary staple for local consumption.
To begin with though, Laurel cited the need for Lubang farmers to boost its garlic output.
By his own admission, Laurel described the Lubang garlic as a stand out insofar as quality and strong aroma providing a strong market potential.
These characteristics are what make Lubang garlic a crop that can anchor the development of a larger island-based industry.
“Because of these traits, the cultivation of Lubang garlic is under study. Increasing domestic garlic production supports the national food security agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which aims to raise farm productivity and ensure a stable food supply for Filipino families,” Laurel said.
“Developing the garlic industry in Lubang is expected to create more income opportunities for farmers while helping meet demand for locally grown bulbs,” he added.
To support the initiative, DA is looking at the possibility of providing the right interventions, which include the provision of farm machinery, irrigation support, quality planting materials and other assistance that can help farmers increase their yield.
Among the interventions being looked into include access to farm machinery, irrigation support, quality planting materials and other assistance aimed at helping producers increase harvests.
“The focus is on giving growers the inputs and infrastructure needed to scale up production without losing the variety’s distinct qualities.”