The Department of Agriculture is set on increasing domestic production of quality garlic, particularly in the Ilocos region. Based on data from the Bureau of Plant Industry presented to the House committee on agriculture and food chaired by Quezon Rep. Wilfrido Enverga, the country has been heavily dependent this year on garlic imports to meet local demand.
For the first quarter of 2022, total garlic supply was 27,912 metric tons (MT) against total demand of 37,331 MT. Of the total supply, 23,141 MT were imported while only 4,971 MT were locally sourced. In the second quarter, total supply was 18,229 MT against total demand of 36,373 MT Of the total supply, 18,183 MT were imported while only 46 MT were locally produced. In the third quarter, however, the total supply of 20,653 MT were all imported but still not enough to meet the total demand of 36,945 MT.
Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net