With plans of increasing the garlic output in Lubang, Occidental Mindoro, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is conducting a study on the possibility of turning the coastal town as a key supplier of the native species of the culinary staple and thus reduce the country’s reliance on imported stocks.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. cited that Lubang garlic, or bawang in the vernacular, stands out for its quality and strong aroma, characteristics that give it a strong market potential.
With this reputation for quality and aroma, Lubang garlic is seen as a crop that can anchor the development of a larger island-based industry.
“Because of these traits, the cultivation of Lubang garlic is under study. Increasing domestic garlic production supports the national food security agenda of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which aims to raise farm productivity and ensure a stable food supply for Filipino families,” Tiu Laurel noted.
“Developing the garlic industry in Lubang is expected to create more income opportunities for farmers while helping meet demand for locally grown bulbs,” he added.
The agri chief disclosed that in order to support the initiative, they are studying possible interventions, which include the provision of farm machinery, irrigation support, quality planting materials and other assistance that can help farmers increase their yield.
Among the interventions being looked into include access to farm machinery, irrigation support, quality planting materials and other assistance aimed at helping producers increase harvests.
“The focus is on giving growers the inputs and infrastructure needed to scale up production without losing the variety’s distinct qualities,” Tiu Laurel pointed out.
Meanwhile, Lubang municipal Mayor Michael Orayani enthused that if the garlic industry in the island municipality is supported with machines, irrigation, and certified planting material, “local production could be increased to supply more markets while providing farmers with a higher-value commodity.”
Aside from government intervention in their garlic production, Mayor Orayani likewise disclosed that local farmers as well as fisherfolk in their locality are in very much need of an ice plant, additional payao or fish aggregating devices, and support for corn and rice production.
For now, however, the DA is assessing interventions that can boost output, protect variety quality and link Lubang growers to wider markets as part of the push to strengthen the local garlic industry.
Earlier this month, the localities of Lubang and Looc received ₱2.8 million worth of assistance from the DA through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The assistance package included vegetable seeds, hybrid rice seeds, coconut seedlings, fishing gear, boat engines and cash aid intended to improve farm and fishing productivity in the two towns.