MANILA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) said it would build pallet position cold storage facilities for high-value crops and vegetables through coordination with cooperatives and farmers to address concerns on oversupply of agricultural products in the country.

This was the response made by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. during a Palace press briefing on the DA’s plan to remedy vegetables oversupply and subsequent wastage.

“That’s the main reason why I went to the FTI (Food Terminal Inc.) last Friday to see what is available sa FTI. And to address that situation, we will be building a 5,000 pallet position cold storage for high-value crops and vegetables… to serve only the cooperatives and the farmers in our country para nga ma-address iyan,” Laurel said.

“Kasi ang oversupply situation, while actually… to be honest, that is a matter na dapat ina-address din ng LGU ‘no because na-devolve na nga ang mga agricultural workers to the LGUs so dapat sila nagpa-planning niyan, ng production and ano. But, of course, the national government like the DA should coordinate and plan with them to address this,” he said.

The initiative is a work-in-progress to have a quick solution to the problem, Laurel said, hoping that after 13 or 14 months, or around June next year, the facility would be available.

In the case of onion farms in Nueva Ecija affected by pests, Laurel said the DA is studying the situation and expects to come up with a protocol in the next two weeks on how to address the issue.

In the meantime, however, the DA will provide planting materials and pesticides to the farmers so that they could replant.

“Maybe we can give them additional seeds to replant and maybe some pesticides along with it and some other support,” Laurel told reporters.

Asked if the infestation would have an effect on the local supply of onion, Laurel said there will be some minimal effect because of reduced production.

The agriculture department presented to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. its three-year plan – “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” which will focus on expanding agri-fishery areas for increased production, modernizing agriculture and fishery production system, and developing and improving post-harvest systems and infrastructure. (PND)