CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) will build a 20,000 bag capacity onion cold storage in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija.

Funded under the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), it will benefit onion farmers belonging to the Dupinga Sierra Madre Irrigators Association in Barangay Tagumpay.

DA Regional HVCDP Focal Person AB David said the project seeks to help increase the income of onion growers, reduce postharvest losses, and maintain onion supply in local markets.

“Dupinga Sierra Madre Irrigators Association was one of the fortunate recipients of the largest value facility awarded by the agency worth P41.5 million,” she disclosed.

The project includes provision of 100 pieces of pallets and 1,000 pieces of plastic crates worth P1.2 million.

“Upon completion in six months, the facility will be able to store 540 to 600 metric tons of onions or equivalent to 36 to 40 hectares of onion production,” David said.

Meanwhile, Dupinga Sierra Madre Irrigators Association Chairperson Victorino Costales expressed his gratitude to DA because they will no longer be forced to sell produce whenever the price is too low, which causes them losses.

He said with the help of the facility, they will be able to store their products and keep up with the market.

The province of Nueva Ecija remains the top onion producer in the country with an estimated 54.67 percent contribution, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

This is equivalent to 138,028 metric tons total production volume in 2023. (CLJD/CCN, PIA Region 3- Nueva Ecija)