DA Sees Farm Output Rising Amid Slight Contraction In Q3

The Department of Agriculture has stated that despite a slight contraction in the value of farm production in the third quarter, there are strong indications that the sector could contribute positively to the economy.

The value of farm output in the third quarter declined by 0.3 percent year-on-year, hurt by lower output of crops and fish. I Photo: Department of Agriculture

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) has reported that the value of farm output in the third quarter declined by 0.3 percent year-on-year, hurt by lower output of crops and fish.

The value of production in agriculture and fisheries slipped to P412.41 billion in the July-September quarter.

"As we look at the data more closely, we can see positive signs in the rice, corn, and onion harvest, as well as in our production of tilapia and galunggong — important food items for the Filipino masses," said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel in a statement.

"With the growth numbers in the first three quarters, we remain optimistic that agriculture could still contribute positively to the broader economy."

The value of rice, corn, and onion increased by 0.2 percent, 5.0 percent, and 165.1 percent, respectively, in the third quarter. The value of fisheries production decreased by 6.1 percent to P58.72 billion due to a sharp drop in the output of tiger prawns and bigeye tuna.

Fisheries accounted for one-sixth of agriculture output.

Contractions in the value of crop and fisheries production were partly offset by a 2.5 percent increase in the value of livestock production at P66.11 billion and a 2.9 percent increase in the value of poultry production at P64.89 billion.

Despite challenges posed by the African Swine Flu and avian influenza, swine and poultry production continued to improve.

Livestock production rose by 2.5 percent to P66.11 billion, with hog production rising by 3.3 percent. Poultry output rose by 2.9 percent to P64.89 billion. At current prices, the value of production in agriculture and fisheries amounted to P522.58 billion, higher by 4.3 percent.

"Patuloy po nating tututukan ang mga produktong pang-agrikultural na nag-aambag sa paglago ng value of production, kabilang ang palay, mais, sibuyas, livestock at poultry, at iba pa," he said.

"Samantala, sisiguraduhin nating maiaangat ang productivity ng iba pang agricultural commodities sa pamamagitan ng angkop at nararapat na interventions," Secretary Laurel added.

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