January 21, 2011

Philippine agriculture output recoiled 6.35% in Q4

Philippine farm production rose 6.35% in the fourth quarter, the fastest in 10 years, driven by higher rice and corn output, said Romeo Recide, director of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, on Wednesday (Jan 19).

Full-year farm output in 2010 fell 0.12%, he said.

"If we're not hit by typhoon Juan, we might register slight growth. Fourth-quarter growth was okay but we have to factor in the results for all the quarters," Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said.

The country lost at least PHP8.93 billion (US$200.43 million) worth of standing palay crop to typhoon Juan last year. About PHP11.53 billion (US$258.78 million) worth of damage were recorded due to the typhoon.

Agriculture production fell 0.37% in 2009 after a series of typhoons destroyed crops, livestock and farm infrastructures.

The agricultural statistics office said farm output rebounded in the fourth quarter, the highest growth recorded on a quarterly basis in 10 years. Output in the first three quarters declined 2.62%.

"There was a slight contraction in farm production for 2010. The growth achieved in the fourth quarter is not enough to offset losses during the first three quarters," said Recide. He added crop production decreased in 2010 with paddy rice output falling by more than 3%.

The Agriculture Department will release the full report on farm output not later than Friday (Jan 21), as soon as it is submitted to the President.

"I think agricultural output will be better this year, barring extreme weather disturbances and the occurrence of super typhoons," said Alcala.

Agriculture comprises a fifth of the country's gross domestic product.