Hogs, chicken output up in 2018

MANILA, Philippines — The local production of chicken and hogs posted significant increases last year, proving that there is enough supply of the commodities.

Based on latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, chicken production increased five percent to 1.84 million metric tons (MT) in 2018, while swine population improved one percent to 12.71 million heads.

The increase was attributed to 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.

PSA said most of the regions posted positive growth in production with Central Luzon remaining as the top producer for chicken, contributing 36 percent of the total production.

Total chicken inventory was estimated at 186 million birds, up six percent year-on-year. All three types of chicken – native, broiler, and layer – posted increments during the year.

Average farm gate price during the year was recorded at P84.79 per kilogram, a four percent increase from 2017 level of P81.46 per kilo.

The gross value of chicken production in 2018 amounted to P171 million at current prices, up by nine percent from the P157 million recorded in 2017.

This was attributed to the improvements in volume of production and farm gate prices.

Meanwhile, total swine inventory reached 12.71 million heads, nearly one percent higher compared with the previous year’s inventory of 12.6 million heads.

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

Inventory in backyard and commercial farms both increased by a percentage.

Among the regions, Central Luzon recorded the highest in terms of inventory, followed by Calabarzon and Western Visayas.

Average farm gate price of live hogs for slaughter increased by eight percent or from the P106.73 per kilo in 2017 to P115.58 per kilo last year.

In 2018, the gross value of hog production at current prices was P268 billion or 11 percent higher than the gross receipt of P242 billion in 2017.

However, total volume of pork imports was recorded at 312,499 MT, 14 percent higher than 274,487 MT in the previous year.

The value of pork imports grew by 15 percent from $390,438 CIF (cost, insurance, freight) in 2017 to $448,980 CIF in 2018.