Frost has little effect on veggie industry

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet  – The frost in northern Benguet towns producing most of the country’s temperate vegetables has little effect on production of the vegetable industry.

Augusta Balanoy, secretary general of the League of Associations-at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post, said the frost has been worrying vegetable farmers in several areas, especially those in the high altitude areas  such as Upper Madaymen in Kibungan and highest portion of Paoay in Atok town.

“(The frost), however does not pose any problem in the vegetable production since the affected area is [limited],”  Balanoy said. All 13 towns of  Benguet produce vegetables.

On Thursday morning, government weathermen said Baguio temperature was 9.3 degrees Celsius, while northern Benguet had a colder 7.3 degrees Celsius.

Although the chilly weather in the region boosts the tourism industry in Baguio, the same harms the vegetable industry in Benguet.

However, according to Balanoy,  “if we are to include other provinces like Mt. Province, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya that also produce temperate vegetables adding to the volume reaching the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post and eventually, the key markets in the country, the effect of frost is not too serious to shake the vegetable industry.”

Vegetable farmers, she said, have already devised solutions and remedies to prevent the ill impact of the cold weather from December to February.

Farmers parry the effects of frost by watering their plants to wash off the icy water particles.  Other avoid planting vegetables in areas that are  often harmed by frost.

Others, Balanoy added, plant commodities and varieties that are able to withstand frost.

Some farmers opt to harvest their vegetables and selling at a lower price, still giving them income, Balanoy said.

Instead also of looking at frost as harmful, Benguet governor Nestor Fongwan has asked his provincemates to invite tourists and visitors to head to northern Benguet and experience the  chilly weather.  - Artemio A. Dumlao