Problem Analysis of Garlic Cultivation in Major Production Areas in Luzon, Philippines

Using the problem analysis framework, this research analyzed the current situations in the garlic-producing areas in Luzon, Philippines, and identified the possible reasons for the decrease in the volume and total area of production. A total of 111 garlic farmers from 25 municipalities and cities in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA were included in the study. Results showed that extreme weather conditions such as heat, drought, excessive rains, insect pest and disease occurrences, and inaccessibility to market with high pricing for locally produced garlic are the most encountered problems by garlic farmers across the regions. Continuous heavy rainfall during the planting season caused extreme damage to the crop, in which 41% of the respondents mentioned this as a major concern. The presence of different field and storage insect pests and diseases of garlic resulting in lower yield was also cited by 32% of the respondents. Furthermore, the market for native garlic is less competitive due to the cheaper cost of imported garlic varieties, which leads to a significantly reduced market for the produce. The conditions led to the production of other crops such as squash and sweet potato, or in some cases, the selling of chives as they require fewer inputs, thus making it more profitable in a shorter period than producing bulbs.