Dagupan City, Jan. 18, 1998 - Some 2,000 camote farmers in Pangasinan will have to switch to other crops because of the closure of a starch plant that was their main buyer.
The Pan Kor Starch Industry Company, reputedly the world's largest camote starch factory, processed fresh camote into starch for export to Korean noodle manufacturers.
Pan Kor's manager, Jay Hwang, told newsmen that his company suspended operations because South Korea is suffering from severe financial turmoil as a result of the currency crisis.
He said there's a possibility of re-opening the plant in April, when the situation in Korea is expected to improve.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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