TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN — Vegetable prices in the Nueva Vizcaya Agri-Trading (NVAT) Center and public markets across Cagayan Valley remained normal this week despite reports of oversupply in production areas, as heavy rains and damaged roads disrupted the delivery of farm produce to the region.

Retail prices in the public markets of Tuguegarao, Cauayan, and Ilagan as of August 16 remained at ₱40–₱55 per kilo for carrots and ₱20–₱30 per bundle for wombok.

“Only 5 of the expected 15 trucks arrived at NVAT this week,” said NVAT General Manager Ivan Kurt Alfaro.

“Much of the surplus from production areas did not reach the trading post because of landslides and damaged roads.”

The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 02 reported that vegetable arrivals in Cagayan Valley dropped by 35% this month. The reduced supply from outside sources was offset by stocks from Nueva Vizcaya and Isabela, helping keep consumer prices stable.

The Department of Public Works and Highways is currently clearing landslide areas along major routes to restore the transport of vegetables. NVAT said it continues to monitor prices and coordinate with farmers’ groups and local government units for possible bulk buying and processing of surplus vegetables once road access improves.

via Dr. Ferdinand Cortez