Value chain analysis of garlic in the Philippines

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is undeniably a much sought ingredient in various food preparations, hence, considered a very important agricultural commodity. This paper presents the value chain including the marketing system of garlic in the country. Primary data were gathered from the three top-producing regions: Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley and MIMAROPA [Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan, Philippines] with four groups of respondents (563 farmers, 150 traders, 400 market sellers, and 400 consumers). Secondary data were used to analyze the trends in area planted, production, prices, importation and utilization from 2011-2022. The Ilocos Region is the largest producer of garlic in the country with 75% and 68% share of the total area planted and production, respectively. However, there has been a decreasing trend across the three regions. Overall, garlic production in the Philippines has been decreasing by around 300 metric tons (MT) annually for the past 12 years. Hence, the country remains to be highly dependent on imports to satisfy the local demand for garlic. The marketing system of garlic in the country is already established, however, there are various players which make the transactions more complex. Garlic produced from Ilocos Region reaches more areas in the country compared to Cagayan Valley and MIMAROPA. There are four marketing channels in the three regions and Ilocos Region has a maximum of four levels in one channel. The most complex marketing system and value chain are in the Ilocos region which appeared to capture all the transactions involved in the garlic commodity. Batanes has distinct marketing channels and value chain from that of Cagayan Valley. Among the key players in the value chain, the traders and the wholesalers receive the highest benefit ranging from 20-50%, on the average, depending on the size of the bulb. There are some duplications on the roles and activities of the key players along the chain. The product flow of garlic in the country is complex passing from one player to another similarly with the flow of payment done in cash or credit. The farmers are confronted with poor quality seed material, occurrence of pest and diseases, and marketing-related issues. They remain at a disadvantage in as much as more imported garlic are available in the market.