DA slashes 2025 palay output target due to flooding

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has trimmed its palay production target for 2025, citing widespread flooding in key agricultural areas. 

In a statement, the DA said it revised its rice production target of 20.46 million metric tons (MT) this year to between 20.09 million MT and 20.39 million MT, which could translate to 12.65 to 12.85 million metric tons of milled rice.

Despite the lowered goal, the Agriculture Department said the country is still on track to surpass its all-time high palay harvest of 20.06 million MT achieved in 2023 and exceed 2024’s 19.09 million MT output—a year marred by the twin blows of El Niño and La Niña.

“The rainfall volume we’ve seen in recent months has been unprecedented,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., adding that “this is just a more conservative stance—prudence in the face of uncertainty.”

Palay output in the first half of 2025 surged 6.4% year-on-year to 9.08 million metric tons, driven higher by improved weather conditions and intensified government support. 

Historically, the second half of the year accounts for over 55% of total rice production, according to the DA.

Moreover, the agency said rice supply by year-end is projected to settle between 3.86 and 3.96 million metric tons, equivalent to 96 to 101 days of national consumption. 

The per capita consumption used in the calculation was 122.7 kilos annually, as estimated by the Philippine Statistics Authority. —VBL, GMA Integrated News