Vegetable prices stable despite PHP1.21B crop damage from Carina

Despite PHP1.21 billion worth of crop damage caused by Super Typhoon Carina and enhanced southwest monsoon, vegetable prices remain stable as of Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that 22,088 metric tons of agricultural commodities were damaged, affecting 46,625 farmers and fishers across various regions including the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Mimaropa, Calabarzon, Pampanga, and Bulacan.

Wholesale prices for vegetables like cabbage and carrots have actually decreased compared to Monday's prices, while sayote remains stable and Chinese cabbage has slightly increased in price.

Aida Pagtan, chief of DA-CAR’s Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Service (RAFIS), stated that local markets currently show sufficient vegetable supply despite the typhoon damage.

Local government units are encouraging farmers to report their crop damages with detailed documentation to facilitate faster reporting and assistance.

The Department is also providing rice, corn, and vegetable seeds to affected farmers through a Quick Response Fund (QRF) and has repositioned its seed reserve for rehabilitation efforts.