The Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking to allocate P93 million for ube research and development, driven by the root crop's rising global demand, as reported by Philstar Biz .
Ube, a native purple yam, has gained popularity in international markets for its use in desserts and natural coloring. The proposed budget would fund initiatives to improve crop yield, disease resistance, and post-harvest processing, aiming to boost competitiveness and meet export standards.
The increased investment aligns with the DA's broader strategy to expand high-value crop exports and support local farmers. If approved, the funding could help the Philippines capture a larger share of the global ube market, which has seen growing demand from health-conscious consumers and the food industry.