Philippine agri output down 1.5% in second quarter

Philippine agricultural production slipped further in the April to June period to mark the third straight quarter in negative territory, the statistics bureau reported Monday.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the value of production fell by 1.5% in the second quarter, following the -3.4% in the first quarter and the -3.8% in the fourth quarter of 2020. It is also a reversal of the 0.5% growth the same quarter last year.

“This was attributed to the decline in livestock and fisheries production. Meanwhile, production increments were noted for crops and poultry,” the PSA said in an accompanying statement.

Livestock production fell by 19.3%, as hog production declined by 26.2%.

Fisheries slipped 1.1%, as double-digit declines in production were recorded in yellowfin tuna, round scad (galunggong), threadfin bream (bisugo), frigate tuna (tulingan), fimbriated sardines (tunsoy), skipjack (gulyasan), and Bali sardinella (tamban).

Crop production grew 3.1% on higher yields from palay and corn, while poultry production gained 2.5% after increments were seen in duck, chicken egg, and duck eggs production.

The latest figures brought the year-to-date value of production down 2.5%, lower than the 0.6% drop recorded in the first half of 2020.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) — mandated to promote agricultural development and ensure a food-secure Philippines — just recently cut its full-year growth target to 2% from 2.5% previously. — RSJ, GMA News