THE Department of Agriculture said that they are expecting some 300,000 metric tons of onion production this year.

In a statement, the DA said this is a “positive” local onion production for 2024.

According to the DA, this is higher than the 250,000 MT volume of production for the crop seen in 2023.

"We’re expecting positive production for the year,” said DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa.

Likewise, De Mesa said tat the presence of harabas or fall army worm has slightly affected yield.

However, the pest’s impact on onion production has been minimized “by the pro-active efforts of the national and local government.”

Also, the DA said that only 8% of the total production area was affected by the pest.

"With the pro-active efforts of the national and local government, the effect is considered negligible,” said De Mesa.