Chicken, swine output up in second quarter of 2018

MANILA, Philippines — The local production of chicken and hogs posted significant increments in the second quarter, proving that there is enough supply despite the high prices of these commodities.

Based on the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, chicken production increased four percent to 462,335 metric tons (MT), while swine population improved two percent to 12.78 million heads in April to June.

The increase was attributed to the  expansion of broiler farm capacity, improvement of farm facilities, opening of new commercial broiler farms in several areas, and the increasing demand from households, food processors and hotel establishments.

According to the PSA, most of the regions posted positive growth in production with Central Luzon remaining as the top producer for chicken with 176,890 MT.

Total chicken inventory was estimated at 187 million birds, up three percent year on year.

Average farm gate price amounted to P86.76 per kilogram in the second quarter, barely a one percent increase from the previous year’s P86.37 per kg.

Meanwhile, total swine inventory reached 12.78 million heads, 1.86 percent higher than the year ago.

PSA said the  higher farm gate price encouraged hog raisers to dispose of their stocks.  The sustained demand in Central Luzon, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas also contributed to higher production.

Inventory in both backyard and commercial farms increased by 0.86 percent and 3.64 percent, respectively.

Average farm gate price of live hogs went up by eight percent to P117.88 per kg.

Despite the high prices at the retail level, the Department of Agriculture said there would be no additional imports of pork and chicken amid unutilized import permits by the private sector.

Prices of pork and chicken are still on the rise at the retail level as of this week.

Pork (kasim and liempo) is now selling at a high P260 per kg when it’s supposed to be priced at P200 to P220 per kg.

Prices of chicken have reached a high of P170 per kg.