Palay, corn output lower in Q1 – PSA

MANILA, Philippines - The production of palay (unhusked rice) and corn is expected to further drop in the first quarter compared to earlier projections due to insufficient water supply and intense heat brought about by a strong El Niño.

Based on standing crops as of March 1, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said palay production for January to March could have reached 4.01 million metric tons (MT), 3.3 percent below the earlier forecast of 4.15 million MT and eight percent lower than the 4.37 million MT output last year.

“Probable decreases in production may be attributed to insufficient water supply and intense heat brought about by prolonged dry spell during the reproductive and maturing stages of the crop,” the PSA said.

The harvest areas in Cagayan had contracted due to the adverse effects of Typhoon Nona last December.

Infestation of rats, black bugs, and birds could also cause production to decline in North Cotabato, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, the PSA said.

Other probable decrease is expected in Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Zamboanga Sibugay, Antique, Bohol, Quezon, Guimaras, and Aklan.

Around 541,000 hectares of the updated standing crop have been harvested while 810,000 hectares or 87.7 percent of the planting intentions for the April-June 2016 harvests have been realized.

Corn production for the first quarter was seen to have reached 2.1 million MT, 6.3 percent lower than the January 2016 round forecast of 2.21 million MT and 12.4 percent below the 2.37 million MT level in 2015.

PSA also sees lower yield in Bukidnon, Ifugao, North Cotabato, Iloilo, Sultan Kudarat, Negros Occidental, South Cotabato, Negros Oriental, Sarangani, Capiz, and Zamboanga Sibugay because of insufficient water supply.

“Insufficient fertilizer application in Tarlac and the adverse effects of typhoon Nona in Isabela and Aurora may also bring production to drop,” PSA said.

About 370,000 hectares of the updated standing crop have been harvested. Around 260,000 hectares or 72.2 percent of the planting intentions for the April-June 2016 harvests have already been planted.

Final palay and corn production for the first quarter of the year is expected to be released early-May.