Authorities in Benguet are investigating the theft of 400 kilos of freshly harvested carrots, which were taken by unidentified suspects from a farm in La Trinidad. The incident has alarmed local farmers, who say this is not the first time crops have been stolen in the province.

Police reports indicate that the stolen carrots were valued at around P20,000. The farmers discovered the loss after returning to their plots and finding that the produce had been harvested and carted away without their knowledge.

Local officials have condemned the act, stressing that Benguet’s vegetable farmers are already struggling with fluctuating market prices and high production costs. “Napakahirap magtanim, tapos bigla na lang kukunin ng iba ang pinaghirapan mo,” one farmer lamented, highlighting the impact of the theft on their livelihood.

The Benguet Provincial Police Office has deployed investigators to track down the perpetrators, noting that stolen vegetables are often resold in nearby markets. Authorities are also urging traders and buyers to be vigilant and report suspicious bulk sales of produce.

Incidents of crop theft have been reported in Benguet in the past, with farmers calling for stronger security measures and community cooperation to protect agricultural goods. The province supplies a significant portion of the country’s vegetables, making it a critical hub for food security.

This latest case underscores the vulnerability of farmers to theft and exploitation, and officials say they are working to strengthen patrols and monitoring systems to safeguard Benguet’s agricultural sector.