Palay output likely higher in 3rd quarter

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s production of palay or unhusked rice likely rose by 6.4 percent in the third quarter of the year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Estimates from the PSA showed that palay production indicated a possible uptrend to 3.74 million metric tons from July to September based on standing crop as of Aug. 3.  This is higher than the 3.51 million MT in the same period last year.

The figure, however, is 1.7 percent lower than the PSA’s initial production forecast of 3.8 million MT as of July 1.

Harvest area was also  seen to have  increased by seven  percent to 908,663 hectares while yield per hectare likely declined to 4.11 MT.

About 119,979 hectares or 13.2 percent of the updated standing crop had been harvested and 958,361 hectares or 54.7 percent of the perceived area had been actually planted.

Of the total area of 1.75 million hectares of standing palay to be harvested for the fourth quarter, 54 percent was at the vegetative stage, 31.4 percent at  reproductive stage and 14.6 percent at maturing stage.

Meanwhile, corn production was seen to have dropped  by 14.9 percent to 2.4 million MT.

Around 157,582 hectares or 19.1 percent of the updated standing crop had been harvested.

It added that 239,176 hectares or 36.1 percent of the planting intentions had been realized.

Of the total 902,143 hectares standing crop to be harvested in October to December, 27.5 percent was at vegetative stage, 35.9 percent at reproductive stage and 36.6 percent at maturing stage.