Onions can make a person shed tears but for the people of Miagao, Iloilo, it is a source of joy.

Being an agriculture-based municipality, the bulb onion is one major value crop which contributes largely to the income of most local farmers.

Municipal Agricultural Technologist April Depamaylo said that the soil condition in these areas is very conducive for growing the crop especially during the dry season particularly after cultivating rice.

“In fact, a survey conducted by East-West Seed Company Incorporated, Philippines in 2008 indicated that Miagao is the leading source of bulb onion in Western Visayas,” said Depamaylo.

According to the municipal official, the survey urged the municipality to promote and sustain viable and profitable programs and initiatives increasing family income contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of bulb onion farmers.

“The formulated 2011-2013 Municipal Development for Bulb Onion Production forged a partnership between the Local Government Unit of Miagao (MLGU) and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 6 (DA RFU 6),” said Depamaylo

She further said that the collaboration with DA RFU-6 has provided P 30,000 worth of water pumps which were distributed to cluster areas.

The Regional Field Unit also facilitated the conduct of technology demonstrations for bulb onion farmers to adapt for high yielding variety.

“Before the year ends, two units of post-harvest storage facilities will be provided by DA Regional Office thru a P 250,000 fund transfer,” said Depamaylo.

As per report from the Municipal Agriculture Office, there was a significant increase in the production areas devoted to bulb onions – from 31.3 hectares in 2011 to 69.55 hectares in 2012. The number of farmers engaged in this industry also rose, from 155 in 2011 to 351 in 2012.

“There was a slight drop in crop production this year, from 282.2 metric tons in 2011 to 233.36 metric tons in 2012. However, we are targeting a 25% increase in production in 2013,” said Depamaylo.

According to the Municipal Agricultural Technologist, the decrease in production can be attributed to the unpredictable weather conditions and the lack on information of farmers on the recent technology on bulb onion production.

The official also said that the DA RFU-6 has pledged to facilitate further training courses and seminars for target participants and the release of P100,000 worth of onion seeds for the local farmers.

“Through the efforts of the MLGU in terms of production support and the generous irrigation and infrastructure assistance and research initiatives from DA, the target increase in production yield in the coming years can be achieved,” added Depamaylo.*PIA