Philippines' agricultural industry post growth in Q1

Philippines – In the first quarter of 2013, the country’s agricultural industry grew by 3.3%, said the Department of Agriculture. The crops, fishery, poultry and livestock sectors together posted a total of P352.5 billion (US$8.56 bn) at current prices.

The crops subsector, which accounts for 54.1% total agricultural production, increased by 3.6%, said department secretary Proceso J. Alcala. Harvests during the first three months of the year, yielded a total of 4.17 million metric tons (MMT) of palay (unmilled rice) and 2.25 MMT of corn, valued at P66 billion (B) and P27.8 B, respectively, at current prices.

He said factors that led to the increase were early planting, adequate supply of irrigation water, higher average yields as a result of increased usage of hybrid and certified rice seeds, hybrid and OPV corn seeds, and additional areas planted to both rice and corn.

The DA targets to produce 20 MMT of palay and 8.4 MMT of corn by end of 2013, making the Philippines sufficient in both staples. Last year’s output totalled 18 MMT of palay and 7.4 MMT of corn.

Amongst major crops that saw growth were pineapple (5.8%), mango (4.5%), tobacco (4%), sugarcane (2.5%), and onions (8.5%).

The fisheries subsector, which shared 16.3% to total agricultural production, grew 5.6%, as a result of increased production milkfish (bangus), tilapia and other aquaculture species. Moreover, larger catch of marine species like roundscad (galunggong) and tuna were recorded, as result in part of the conservation measures imposed in Zamboanga and Visayan Seas, and lifting of the tuna ban in the Pacific Ocean Total value of fishery production amounted to P59.5 B at current prices.

The poultry subsector, accounting for 14.4% to total agricultural production, posted a 2.8% growth, with total value of production at P45.8B at current prices. The subsector was led by chicken, whose output grew by 3.3%, worth P34.6B.

The livestock subsector, which contributed 15.3% to total agricultural output, barely grew, at 0.3%, with total production value of P54.3B at current prices. The hog industry grew by 0.36%, valued at P44.87B at current prices.

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