November 7, 2007

Philippine corn output may rise to 9 percent this year despite typhoon

Philippine corn production is likely to rise to 6.7 million tonnes in 2007, up 9 percent on year, even though a strong typhoon hit a major corn producing area earlier this week, the Department of Agriculture said Tuesday (November 6).

The new corn production forecast is slightly lower from an earlier estimate of 6.8 million tonnes.

"This is not a significant reduction, we're still happy to produce at this level," said Assistant Agriculture Secretary Dennis Araullo, the department's programme director for corn.

Tropical Storm Peipah made landfall on Sunday, crossing major corn producing areas in northern Philippines, killing five people and driving scores away from their homes before moving into the South China Sea on Monday, civil defence officials said.

Araullo earlier said corn production is targeted to reach 7.4 million tonnes in 2008, up 10 percent from the new 2007 production forecast, as farmers are likely to plant more corn to take advantage of higher grain prices.

Corn is a major component in livestock and poultry feeds.