February 12, 2008

Philippines' corn output expected to rise 21 percent for H1

Philippine corn output in the first half of the year is expected to rise by 21 percent to 3.34 million tonnes as higher prices encourage farmers to plant more corn, the Department of Agriculture said Tuesday (February 12, 2008).

The rise in planting area is expected to boost first quarter output by 23 percent to 2.10 million tonnes, while second quarter output is expected to increase by 18 percent to 1.24 million tonnes, the department said.

Corn prices are around PHP14 (US$0.34) a kilogramme at the farmgate level, compared with PHP8 (US$0.20)a kilogramme a few years ago.

Last year, Philippines' corn output rose 10 percent on year to 6.73 million tonnes.