One Year After Onion Farming Was Introduced in the South!

The Matanao Bulb Onion Farmers Association (MABOFA) in Matanao, Davao del Sur could attest that bulb onion thrives well in their village. “The quality of our onion is at par with those from Luzon but it commands a higher price due to higher demand in the locality,” MABOFA member Antonio Amancio.

MABOFA farmers opted to plant hybrid shallot variety as it is more marketable as local consumers prefer the size of its bulb which is just enough for regular cooking.

“We are now starting to program our production so that we will not compete with the harvest season in Luzon which starts in February. More onions will be planted by September so that we can harvest it by December since the demand is higher during the holiday season,” says MABOFA Vice President Lupe Calunsag adding that their farm gate is priced not lower than P50 per kilo while in Luzon is only P25-P30 per kilo.

Jupiter Hiludo, MABOFA chairman is grateful to the DA-HVCDP XI and their local agriculture office for the assistance, which includes onion seeds, and farm inputs that sustain their onion production.

As MABOFA farmers continue to expand their onion production, the message is already clear: onion can thrive in Davao Region. | via Noel Provido Photos by Jay Delino

Bong Onate Marila Lucernas Hvcdp Davao Region Yel Miel Merriel Melani Provido