Phl misses 2014 rice production target

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Philippine unmilled rice production this year may fall short of the government's target, according to the latest report of the local statistics agency released today.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said rice output for 2014 may reach 18.69 million metric tons (MMT). While this is 1.4 percent higher than the output last year, it is lower than the 19. 07 MMT production target set by the Department of Agriculture.

Unmilled rice output in the January to June period rose by 4.78 percent on year to 8.38 MMT. However, that rice harvest in the second half of the year may decline by 1.2 percent, said PSA.

The Philippine government had earlier announced the importation of an additional 500,000 MT of rice to boost its buffer stock this year. The volume is on top of the 800,000 MT of rice bought by the Philippines from Vietnam via a government to government deal.

The Philippines was forced to import more rice after strong typhoons such as Haiyan and Rammasun wreaked havoc in major rice- producing areas in the country.

Meanwhile, corn production for 2014 may reach 7.61 MMT, 3.1 percent higher than 7.38 MMT produced last year.

In the January to June period, PSA said corn output rose by 4.7 percent on year to 3.48 MMT.