DA Taking Steps to Address Tight Supply, High Prices of Ginger

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is implementing measures to tackle the tight supply and high prices of ginger, which have reached P280 per kilo in Metro Manila, according to the latest monitoring.

DA Undersecretary Ching Caballero stated that ginger is not only used as a household spice but also for processing. “We are still monitoring the volume used for household consumption and processing because we need to plan for both. The spike in pricing indicates a current tight supply,” Caballero explained.

In some Metro Manila markets, ginger prices have surged to P300 per kilo over the past two weeks.

To address the shortage, the DA is identifying areas near Metro Manila with available supply. “We are monitoring which areas still have ginger supply so we can bring it in through the Kadiwa system,” said Caballero.

The DA is also working on increasing ginger production to prevent future shortages. “We are scheduling production in previously untapped areas for commercial use,” Caballero added.

Logistical challenges, particularly in Region 4B requiring inter-island transport, are being addressed to ensure a systematic supply chain to Metro Manila.