DA, DavOro launch 2nd Trial on Red Bulb Onion Production Derby

New Bataan, Davao de Oro — Aiming to give farmers vital information on the suitable and potential red bulb onion varieties that thrive in the province’s climate and geographical conditions, the second trial of the Red Bulb Onion Production Derby showcased various red bulb onion varieties at Batinao Cabacungan Sto. Nino Irrigator’s Farmers Association (BACASIFIA), Inc. in Barangay Batinao, New Bataan town, on October 6.

Onion 68, Onion 88, Super Pinoy, Red Pinoy, Red Moon, and Red Dragon are among the seed varieties planted in the 880 ㎡ production area, with 30 ㎡ allotted per variety, last September 5, 2023. Thus, the anticipated harvest is scheduled for December of the current year.

Four (4) seed companies, including RAMGO International Corporation, Allied Botanical Corporation, East-West Seed Company, and Pilipinas Kaneko Seeds Corporation, participated in the production derby.

The Department of Agriculture-RFO XI initiated this project through its High-Value Crops Development Program, in partnership with the Provincial and Municipal Governments, National Irrigation Administration, Department of Labor and Employment, and Seed Companies, designed to help with food security, poverty reduction, and long-term growth.

DA XI Field Operation Division Chief Marie Ann Constantino underscored that “With the soaring market prices for onions, we devised a plan to conduct a red bulb onion production derby in order to guarantee our food security and sufficiency. We also encourage you to think beyond food security but to have the sufficiency to compete on a global scale, as this could raise your standard of living”.

Consequently, the results of this study will serve as the basis for the government’s procurement of red bulb onion seeds to be distributed to qualified farmers.

Executive Assistant Fr. Nick Consencino, representing Governor Dorothy P. Montejo-Gonzaga, said “Talagsaon kaayu ni na kahigayunan gani usa ka dakong opportunidad alang kaninyu [farmers]. Hopefully, mahimung successful ang maong pagpaningkamot. By December, mamalik ta dinhi arun mag harvest festival”.

On May 4, 2023, the DA XI, together with its partner agencies, launched the first and initial trial of the production derby in Davao de Oro Farm, Barangay Pasian in Monkayo town. After several weeks, the production site was damaged due to heavy rainfall in the area. However, stakeholders did not lose hope as they proceeded to the second trial in New Bataan to continue the study.

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Ronald C. Sibayan expressed his positive hopes for the study’s success as this would benefit the people of Davao de Oro, saying “Kay kung kini ma-successful ang sunod na steps niana atoa ng i-mass-produce. Kami sa probinsya, open ang opisina ilalom sa direktiba sa atong gobernadora tungod isa nga priority ang agriculture… arun ang mga yango-ngu sa farmers matubag”. (Jaynus Fernandez, Photos by Albert Dayao)