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Tag: NTA

  • Mindanao Tobacco Production Nearly Doubles

    Mindanao Tobacco Production Nearly Doubles

    Tobacco production in Mindanao surged 44% in 2024 as more farmers in the southern Philippines turned to the crop for its growing profitability, according to data from the National Tobacco Administration (NTA). Ma. Mercedes Ayco of NTA Mindanao said farmers are drawn to native “batek” tobacco for its fast growth and strong domestic demand. To support the industry, the NTA launched the five-year Sustainable Tobacco Enhancement Program (STEP) last year. The program offers irrigation, equipment, training, and marketing support to strengthen the tobacco sector across the island.

    Production rose from 5.4 million kilograms in 2023 to 9.7 million kg in 2024. Misamis Oriental led the pack, contributing 7.7 million kg—nearly 80% of the region’s total. Maguindanao del Sur posted a 62% increase in output. The number of tobacco farmers in Mindanao jumped from 4,630 in 2023 to over 8,100 in 2024, with cultivation areas expanding from nearly 3,000 to over 4,400 hectares. Top-quality leaves fetched up to P700 ($12.60) per kilo in Misamis Oriental.

    Tobacco remains the only crop in the Philippines with guaranteed floor prices, supporting livelihoods for over 2 million Filipinos, including 430,000 farmers and workers, the NTA said.

  • Philippines Tobacco Trading Still Strong Despite Start of Rainy Season

    Philippines Tobacco Trading Still Strong Despite Start of Rainy Season

    The Philippines’ National Tobacco Administration (NTA) announced that tobacco trading operations across the nation are continuing uninterrupted despite the start of the rainy season in June. Dr. Giovanni Palabay, NTA–La Union Manager, confirmed that flue-cured Virginia tobacco trading centers in Ilocos will remain open until June 30, with centers including Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc. (ULPI), Trans Manila, Inc., and Continental Leaf Tobacco Philippines, Inc. operational.

    “If there is more tobacco available beyond June 30, NTA can coordinate for continued accommodation by the trading centers,” said Palabay. Top prices for high-quality Virginia tobacco have reached P130 ($2.34) per kilo.

    There are 59,242 registered tobacco farmers cultivating over 32,500 hectares nationwide. NTA Administrator and CEO Belinda Sanchez said farmers are expected to earn more this season, as trading prices are currently above the government-set floor prices.

    Burley and native tobacco trading will continue in Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region through August 31, with peak prices of P118 ($2.12) for Burley and P175 ($3.15) for native Batek tobacco per kilo.