The Department of Agriculture (DA) is actively engaging with farmers in response to the current surge in prices of certain highland vegetables, particularly carrots, in local markets.
According to the DA's monitoring, several markets have seen prices of carrots reach as high as ₱200 per kilo.
DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista revealed that they have observed price fluctuations in trading posts, where carrots were being sold at ₱116 per kilo.
The recent rainfall in the past days might have affected the farmers' production, contributing to the price increase.
Additionally, logistical challenges could also have influenced the current pricing.
"Mayroong paggalaw ng presyo sa trading post pa lamang, at mayroon din pong paggalaw noong mga volume na dinadala dito sa Metro Manila. Mayroon po kasi tayong commodities na mayroong season, kapag maulan kaunti lang ang harvest,” said the official
“Comfortably kasi dapat mga P10 lamang ang price movements ‘yung logistics din po ang tinitignan natin kung may naging logistical challenge. Any price movement na nasa P40 ang increase ay ‘yan po ay medyo tinitignan natin na cause of alarm. We are trying to see if we can have a more volume ng ganoong produkto na maibebenta po natin sa Kadiwa,” she added.
To address the situation, the DA has mobilized regional offices to assist farmers in delivering their produce to Kadiwa stores.
The goal is to support the farmers and stabilize the prices of vegetables.
