Weather problem hikes prices of local veggies

The prices of vegetables in Mindanao have remained high even after the Christmas season due to the erratic weather condition.
Rey Acain, chair of the Southern Mindanao Vegetable Council and Davao del Norte Vegetable Council, said the unpredictable weather has affected the production of vegetables, resulting in high prices.
The onset of the dry season is also contributing to the low production of vegetables, Acain said.
He said this has prompted vegetable industry leaders to start coordinating with the Department of Agriculture (DA) on the possible assistance the department could provide them.
Acain said Maragusan in Compostela Valley province used to be a top vegetable producer, but its production has gone down because of increased mining activities in the area.
Meanwhile, the council has been lobbying with the DA for the establishment of a chemical residue analysis laboratory in Davao City.
The facility, which is estimated to cost P100 million, will be used in mango, banana, Chinese cabbage, and ampalaya, which are perceived to have high chemical residues, Acain said.  [PNA]