Agri output shrinks in Q2

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine agriculture contracted by 0.37 percent in terms of production volume during the second quarter, largely due to lesser output in the crops and fisheries subsectors resulting from the dry spell, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported yesterday.

The growth in production volume is slower than the growth of 2.73 percent in the same period last year.

In terms of value, the farm sector grossed P372.4 billion, 5.21 percent lower than cumulative earnings in the second quarter of last year.

Considering the growth of 1.78 percent in the first quarter, the farm sector registered a cumulative growth of 0.73 percent in the first half.

The crops subsector, which comprised 49.8 percent of the total agricultural production in the second quarter, registered a 3.05 percent increase in output.

According to the PSA, the intense heat that prevailed during the period pulled down the production of palay (unmilled rice) and corn by 2.88 percent and 15.76 percent respectively.

What is a bane for grains, proved beneficial for growers of other crops as hot weather conditions improved the production of pineapple, mango, abaca, mongom camote, cassava, cabbage and garlic.

The gross output value of the crops subsector fell by 0.54 percent in the first half while livestock production expanded by 4.25 percent.

The poultry subsector likewise rose by 4.71 percent with all units registering output increases. Chicken production boosted the subsector’s performance in the second quarter with a 5.08 percent growth in production. In the first half, the subsector’s gross output grew 5.03 percent.