Tag: Bureau of Plant Industry

DA beefs up control of cassava witches’ broom disease

JUNE 25 — The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), has intensified measures to control the spread of witches’ broom disease, which could endanger the country’s growing cassava industry if not proactively addressed. A bacteria-like organism called phytoplasma causes the witches’ broom disease.[1] The disease reduces cassava root starch content, hence reducing yield value and farmers’ income. Symptoms not noticeable The BPI said that the witches’ broom disease is systemic […]

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There’s no onion crisis – Alcala

QUEZON CITY, PIA – Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala allayed fears of a possible onion crisis in Central Luzon, saying the prevailing low prices of the commodity could be the result of bumper harvests as more farmers were encouraged to plant, and not the alleged stockpiling of imported onions. Alcala nonetheless called on the industry to work with the Department of Agriculture (DA) in formulating strategies to address the situation and help farmers avoid further losses as oversupply […]

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Urban agri can boost food security in cities—DA

QUEZON CITY- A mixture of urban agricultural production technologies can enable cities to produce their own food, complementing the government’s efforts in the countryside to maintain food security in the country, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). At the launching of DA’s urban agriculture project in Las Piñas City on February 4, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that urban agriculture can provide additional source of fresh and safe food and extra income for urban residents, […]

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