Agri 10 facilitates market linkage of an onion farmer from Kisolon, Sumilao, Bukidnon.
 

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — To address the increasing demand for red onions in the market, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA RFO-10) under the leadership of OIC-Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado facilitated the market linkage and sale of ‘Red Pinoy’ onions to Gaisano Mall Malaybalay City on January 20, 2023.

Director Collado has personally linked Mr. Joseph Aguilar, owner of 5J Farms to Gaisano Supermarket which committed to buying his produce at 2 tons per week which will be sold in Gaisano Malaybalay City and Valencia City, Bukidnon.

Initially, Mr. Aguilar sold 65 sacks weighing a total of 1,488 kilos of red onions at P290 per kilo, with an overall sale of P431,781.

“This is the first time DA-10 has linked a local red onion producer to a local market in the region,” Collado said since red onions are usually sourced from outside the region.

He added that this is a welcome development in the production of red onions in Northern Mindanao.

The 4.7-hectare onion farm of Mr. Aguilar in Kisolon, Sumilao, Bukidnon is planted with Golden Pinoy/Red Pinoy/Super Red variety with a production of 10 tons.

He has harvested around 1 ton and some were sold in DA-10’s Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita.

“Being able to supply locally produced red onions to one of our local markets signifies that we are steadily becoming more self-sufficient and able to respond to the increasing demand for the said commodity,” he further said.

Aside from DA-10’s market linkage, it also provided transportation assistance to the farmer in hauling its produce from the farm to the market.

Dir. Collado emphasized, “The breakthrough in growing onions under the cold conditions in Bukidnon will encourage more farmers to venture into this endeavor.”

He revealed that DA-10 will look at other areas in Bukidnon for possible expansion of production areas which includes conducting onion derby at the department’s two research stations in Bukidnon.

Said move will determine their performance and adaptability on-site with different elevation and weather conditions which will be participated by the different seed companies.

Meanwhile, AMAD Assistant Division Chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe said that more market linkages are underway for onion farmers in the region.

AMAD is also coordinating with the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA) to introduce locally produced red onions to partner hospitality establishments in Cagayan de Oro.

He also said that through DA’s Kadiwa exhibits, the agency connects producers and farmers of various agricultural commodities, including red onions, directly to consumers who can sell their products at competitive prices.

The delivery and sale of red onions were overseen by DA-10 AMAD, together with Mr. Aguilar and Gaisano Malaybalay City Grocery Department Head Isabel D. Melendez. #