The US Department of Agriculture has made a strong pitch for purple yam or ube to investors, noting that additional investments can plug the production gaps facing the local ube industry amid the ongoing boom of the tuber in international markets, according to Philstar Biz.
The agency highlighted that the Philippine ube industry currently struggles to meet both domestic and export demand due to insufficient processing capacity and inconsistent supply. With ube gaining popularity in global markets—particularly in the US, where it is used in desserts and health products—the USDA sees an opportunity for investors to modernize post-harvest facilities and expand planting areas.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the USDA’s endorsement, saying it could attract foreign capital and technology to boost yields and quality. The push aligns with government efforts to position ube as a high-value export crop, similar to other Filipino agricultural products gaining international traction.