Vegetable production plummets, prices soar

CEBU City is currently facing a significant decline in crop production, particularly affecting key vegetables, due to the ongoing dry season. This seasonal drought has directly impacted agricultural output, causing a notable reduction in supply and a consequent rise in vegetable prices.

According to the Cebu City Agriculture Department (CAD), the volume of production for several important vegetables, including eggplants, bitter gourd (ampalaya), beans, lettuce, Chinese pechay, cucumber, ginger and tomato, has dropped sharply. This decline has led to an estimated 40 percent increase in the prices of these selected vegetables.

In an interview on May 23, 2025, CAD head Arleigh Gesta explained that while overall crop production in Cebu City remains generally consistent, the dry season compels farmers to reduce the number of seeds they plant as a precaution against potential crop damage from harsh weather conditions. This strategy aims to minimize losses should severe drought or an El Niño event recur, as experienced in previous years.

Gesta noted, “Kay approaching ta sa summer… init gyud na siya. Unya basin simbako mapareha ta last year nga mag-El Niño na pud, so grabe og damage ang mahitabo, cost of production ana then gamay ra ang ma-harvest”

(As we approach summer, it gets very hot. There is also the risk of another El Niño like last year, which caused severe damage, increasing production costs while reducing harvests).

The supply shortage is further exacerbated by market dynamics. Many farmers prioritize supplying limited produce to hotels and restaurants, reducing availability for local markets. Major markets like the Carbon Public Market, which rely heavily on external suppliers from places, such as Cagayan de Oro and Canlaon City, have also experienced reduced inflows of vegetables. This compounded shortage has driven prices upward.

Among the crops, ampalaya, ginger and cucumber have seen the most pronounced price hikes, as these vegetables typically have higher production volumes during normal seasons but have been severely affected by the dry spell.

Gesta estimated that vegetable production volume has declined by about 50 percent, while prices have risen by approximately 40 percent overall. Aside from farmers’ planting adjustments, the decline is attributed to the low rainfall and diminishing water sources during the dry season, which have made cultivation increasingly difficult.

This current situation follows a difficult period for Cebu City agriculture. In 2024, the city experienced a severe drought linked to the El Niño phenomenon, which led to a water supply crisis and significant crop losses. Many upland barangays were placed under a state of calamity due to prolonged dry spells and water shortages. Farmers struggled with depleted irrigation systems and inadequate water access, prompting calls for more government support, including water pumps and improved irrigation infrastructure.

Despite efforts by the CAD to train farmers on water conservation and seek assistance from national agencies, the challenges persist. The reduction in local production has become noticeable since May 2025 and is expected to continue through the end of the month. There is hope that produce from neighboring regions such as Negros and Mindanao will help supplement Cebu City’s vegetable supply in the near future.

The dry season’s impact on Cebu City’s agriculture has led to a significant contraction in vegetable production, driving up prices and affecting market availability. This situation underscores the vulnerability of local farming to climatic variability and water scarcity, highlighting the need for enhanced support and adaptive strategies to sustain food production in the region. / JPS