Agriculture Secretary, Proceso J. Alcala, has said the modest growth was bannered by the poultry, crops and livestock subsectors, which grew by 5.5 per cent, 1.5 per cent and 0.5 per cent, respectively.

The fisheries subsector, however, registered a decline of 3.3 per cent versus the same six-month period last year.

The crops subsector, which accounted for 52 per cent of total agricultural production, was led by palay (rice) and corn, as production increased by 4.15 per cent and 4.8 per cent, respectively.

Harvest of palay during the first six months of the year totalled 7.89 million metric tons (MT), which is 4.2 per cent higher than last year’s 7.58 million MT. Corn production amounted to 3.47 million MT, 4.8 per cent more than last year’s output of 3.31 million MT.

Secretary Alcala said good weather and appropriate interventions by the DA through the provision of quality seeds and more irrigated areas have enabled farmers to produce a record second quarter palay harvest, totaling 3.9 million MT. This was 10 per cent higher than last year’s 3.54 million MT during the same April to June period.

Likewise, second quarter production of corn increased by four per cent to 1.45 million MT, from last year’s level of 1.4 million MT.

Meanwhile, despite the recent flooding due to typhoons ‘Ferdie’ and ‘Gener,’ and monsoon rains, the forecasts are bright for both palay and corn for the second semester.

Based on survey of standing crops last July, the DA’s Bureau of Agricultural Statistics said the 3rd quarter palay production may reach 3.56 million MT, which is 12 per cent more than last year’s output of 3.17 million MT.

For the fourth quarter, based on farmers’ planting intentions, palay production would top 6.36 million MT, which is seven per cent more than last year’s output of 5.94 million MT.

In all, palay production for 2012 may reach 17.8 million MT, which would be another record harvest, and 6.7 per cent more than last year’s output of 16.68 million MT.

As for corn, production for the second semester may reach 3.99 million MT, based on 3rd quarter standing crop and 4th quarter farmers’ planting intentions.

Likewise, total corn production for the entire 2012 may reach 7.46 million MT, which is also a record harvest, and seven per cent more than last year’s output of 6.97 million MT.

In all, the projected increases in palay and corn production may be attributed to the expansion in harvest areas due to expansion of irrigated areas, and improvement in yields due to the use of quality seeds.

During the first six months of the year, production of other major crops also increased. These include coconut (up by 5.5 per cent), pineapple (4.4 per cent), coffee (4.4 per cent), tobacco (3.8 per cent), abaca (3.1 per cent), cabbage (three per cent) and rubber (6.7 per cent). Total crop production was valued at PHP392.3 billion, at current prices.

The poultry subsector, which shared 13.9 per cent in total agricultural output, expanded by 5.5 per cent and grossed PHP81.3 billion at current prices.

The livestock subsector, which contributed 15.2 per cent to total agricultural production, grew slightly by 0.5 per cent, and grossed PHP100.3 billion at current prices.

The fisheries subsector, which accounted for 18.8 per cent of total agricultural output, contracted by 3.3 per cent. It grossed PHP117.4 billion at current prices.