IT is seldom that the agriculture sector, which contributes little to the current GDP, comes forward with positive news that somehow gives a whiff of fresh air to the economy.
The news that the Philippines just delivered its first cargo of okra exports to South Korea is thus a welcome development both for the farmers in Central Luzon, and the two departments of government behind this effort — the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture.
The first shipment of Philippine okra was loaded on Philippine Airlines flight PR8648 last Sunday, June 6, it was announced by the airline.
‘It is well to note that the government has been requesting market access of okra to Korea since 2014, and its persistence is now bearing fruit — the first 1,800 kilos of okra from the Philippines straight to South Korea’s dining tables.’
PAL cannot be faulted when it sounded rather boastful, for indeed, exporting okra to other countries like South Korea is a feat for the Filipino farmers and traders.
The flag-carrier said: “Today’s cargo flight is a milestone for the Philippine agri-business sector. It reflects the business opportunities that new markets — like Korea — are currently giving the farming and export sectors.”
It is little known that the country has been exporting okra to Japan for some time now, and Agriculture Secretary William Dar is doing his best to expand that market.
In a previous statement, Dar said, “After the resumption of okra exports to Japan last year, we are opening yet another market access for our okra, this time with the huge Korean food market.”
The DA chief said exports of fresh, green okra pods will be sourced initially from Tarlac province. This Central Luzon province has accredited farms and packing houses for this purpose.
It is well to note that the government has been requesting market access of okra to South Korea since 2014, and its persistence is now bearing fruit — the first 1,800 kilos of okra from the Philippines straight to South Korea’s dining tables.
“This is a milestone for us considering we are still in the midst of the global pandemic,” Dar said.
