Photos shared by SINAG

Agricultural group SINAG disclosed that farmgate prices of tomatoes have dropped to P4 per kilo in some parts of Nueva Ecija.

The group said tomatoes in the town of Bongabon being sold for very low prices or given away for free. A 22-kilo crate of tomatoes is selling for just P100 pesos.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) says it’s important to have cold storage facilities so they can prolong the life of tomatoes, which is a highly-perishable produce.

Agriculture spokesperson Asec. Arnel de Mesa tomato harvests are usually high during the summer. And when volume is high, the price gets low, so cold storage facilities are very important.

Excessive supply of tomatoes has been a recurring problem for many farmers, and it’s not uncommon to see tomatoes being dumped or thrown away during this season.

In 2023, DA said post-processing is important so excess tomato supply can be developed into other products.

The agency promised help for tomato farmers.

“Kung talagang maraming kamatis, i-coordinate talaga nila sa kanilang municipal agriculturist o sa aming regional field office.

Tutulungan namin sila kung saan pwedeng i-market. Sa malapit na palengke o sa ating kadiwa sa mga regions o basta hanapan natin ng merkado,” De Mesa said.