March 18, 2004

Philippines Targets Soybean Self-Sufficiency In Two Years

The Philippines aims to be self-sufficient in soybean production within two years when soybean acreage is increased to 500,000 hectares, the Department of Agriculture said Thursday.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Luis Lorenzo said propagation of soybean seeds necessary for commercial planting is being undertaken in four areas in the country as part of the department's soybean expansion program. These areas have been identified as Ilagan and Aurora in Isabela, La Granja in Negros Occidental, and Bay in Laguna.

"Soybean production should be an integral component in the development of a sustainable crop-livestock farming system," Lorenzo said.                         

By the end of 2004 alone, the amount of land set aside for soybeans is expected to reach around 100,000 hectares. The country annually imports more than 300,000 tons of soybeans, 1.2 million tons of soybean meal and over 10,000 tons of soybean oil.

"We need to arrest this trend if we must ensure the long-term viability of our livestock sector. The food and feed industries have become highly dependent on imported soybeans," Lorenzo said.

Domestic soybean production has been declining. As of 2001, the area used for soybean production was estimated at only 1,000 hectares from around 12,000 hectares in the late 1980s.

The reduction in acreage was mainly due to softer prices in the international market. Initial results from the seed propagation program indicate an average yield of 2.7 tons a hectare, the department said.      

By comparison, yields in major soybean producing countries like the U.S., Argentina and Brazil ranges from 2.5 to 2.76 tons a hectare. In addition to seed production, the department is also extending technical and credit support for interested farmers, Lorenzo said. Suitable areas for soybean production on a commercial scale are located in the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur and South Cotabato, he said.