April 25, 2007

Philippines agriculture department reviews 2007 growth output target
 

The Philippine Department of Agriculture is reviewing its production growth target of 4-5 percent this year on concerns that output of some crops in the first three months may not have been as good as expected, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said Wednesday.

Production of coconuts, sugarcane, bananas and hogs in the first quarter may not have been as smooth compared with expansion rates during the same period last year, Yap said in a statement, without elaborating.

Yap said he has instructed agriculture officials concerned to map out their respective blueprints to ensure that second quarter growth targets are realised.

Agricultural production figures for the first quarter will be released in early May.

Farm output, which grew 3.88 percent last year, accounts for a fifth of the country's gross domestic product.