TITLE:               

SUPPLY CHAIN BOTTLENECKS OF CARROTS AMIDST PANDEMIC IN NORTHERN MINDANAO, PHILIPPINES

AUTHOR:     

Hazel E. Soliven, DBA

DOI: 10.5110/77. 1048                Page:   136 – 149                Vol: 18   Issue: 09  Year: 2023

ABSTRACT

The increasing volume of food losses and unsold carrots in the market greatly affects the key players along the supply chain. The study was conducted to assess the carrot industry’s supply chain in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. It covered major carrot-producing areas, specifically the IMMATASULA Complex. Reconnaissance surveys, courtesy calls, and visits to the LGUs and Agriculture Offices were done to identify the study sites. Through the referral method and site visitation, key players were identified in the carrot supply chain and interviewed a total of 96 respondents: 46 farmers, 13 traders (wholesalers and retailers), 1 processor, and 23 consumers. Results revealed that trust and informal agreements are involved along the chain, and fluctuation of prices three times a day is observed in the Bagsakan Center in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City, especially since the supply of carrots is greatly affected by its seasonality and the presence of imported carrots from China. A total of eight (8) supply chains were traced, with the longest chain being Farmer-Canvasser-Trader-Canvasser-Wholesaler-Retailer-Consumer. High post-harvest losses were among the issues and concerns that can be attributed to many factors, such as inadequate post-harvest technology, poor farm-to-market roads, travel restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, a lack of production programming and complementation across production areas resulting in gluts and dampening of prices, and the absence of cold storage facilities since the commodity is highly perishable and starts to lose its quality right after harvest. Hence, intervention projects must be done on production, post-harvest, and value-adding technologies to further boost the still-traditional supply chain of carrots in the region.

Keywords:

Supply chain, Northern Mindanao, carrots, pandemic

Received: 28  October  2023

Accepted: 10  November  2023

Published: 19  November  2023