The Department of Agriculture (DA) has proposed a P300 million funding plan aimed at expanding ube (purple yam) production in the Philippines. This initiative targets the addition of 1,000 hectares of ube cultivation over the next year.
Strategic Expansion Plans
Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. emphasized the importance of learning from past agricultural missteps. He noted that the government's goal is to steadily grow the industry by doubling the land planted with ube, estimated to cost around P850,000 per hectare for necessary farm developments and support facilities.
We want to grow the industry steadily to avoid previous missteps with other commodities that had developed a global following.
Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., Agriculture Secretary
To facilitate this expansion, the DA plans to implement the minisett rapid-propagation method and will designate selected farmers and cooperatives as multiplier farms. This approach aims to ensure a consistent supply of planting materials.
- 1,000 hectares of new ube cultivation targeted in the first year.
- P850,000 estimated cost per hectare for development.
Laurel clarified that the proposed funding includes export restrictions, specifically on planting materials. He denied claims of a complete ban on ube exports, stating, "Raw ube can simply be cut into pieces and planted," indicating that only unprocessed and untreated raw ube would be subject to restrictions.
Processed ube, however, remains unrestricted for export. Laurel affirmed, "We are 100% or even a million percent in support of exporting processed ube in whatever form." This strategy aims to enhance the Philippines' position in the burgeoning global ube market.