Crops output seen to sustain growth in Q1

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s production of palay (unhusked rice) and corn is seen to improve next year, banking on better yields and climatic conditions.

Based on the latest crops outlook of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), palay production for the first quarter may reach 4.53 million MT, three percent higher than the 4.41 million MT output recorded a year ago.

The harvest area may expand by three percent but yield may slightly decline by 0.40 percent to 3.83 MT per hectare per harvest.

PSA said probable increments in production may be expected among regions except in the Cordilleras, Western Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula and ARMM.

“Farmers are optimistic to utilize more areas in view of the continuous government intervention on high yielding varieties, seeds and fertilizer support,” PSA said.

For this year, palay production may reach 19.4 million MT, up 10 percent year on year.

According to the PSA, harvest area may expand six percent and yield may improve to 4.03 MT per hectare from the 3.87 MT per hectare per harvest a year earlier.

Corn production is expected to rise to 2.5 million MT from 2.37 million MT.

Harvest area may expand to 7,390 hectares, 6.17 percent higher  than the previous year.

Yield, however, may slow down to 3.38 MT per hectare from 3.4 MT per hectare in 2016.

“Possible increase in production is foreseen largely in Cagayan Valley, Northern Mindanao and Soccsksargen. Farmers are hopeful for a favorable weather condition as compared to the previous year,” PSA said.