January 30, 2012

 

Philippine agriculture industry grows 2.34% in 2011

 

 

The agriculture sector of the Philippines grew by 2.34% in 2011, helped by crops, livestock and poultry sub-sectors, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Wednesday (Jan 25).

 

The DA said the combined positive performance of the three sub-sectors served as a cushion, as the fishery sub-sector registered negative growth due to dwindling fish population caused by overfishing, illegal fishing practices, and successive typhoons during the second semester of 2011. 

 

Total farm production was valued at PHP1.4 trillion (US$0.03 trillion) at current prices, 11.5% more than in 2010, it said.

 

The crops sub-sector - which contributed one-half or 49.6% to total agricultural output - registered a 4.82% increase, led by palay (paddy rice) and corn. 

 

Corn production amounted to 6.97 million tonnes, 9.3% more than in 2010 (6.38 million tonnes).

 

Total gross value of production of the crops sub-sector reached PHP804 billion (US$18.66 billion) at current prices, 19.4% more than in 2010. 

 

The livestock sub-sector, which contributed 16% to the total agricultural output, registered a 1.99% growth. It was led by the hog industry which produced 1.94 million tonnes, 2.2% more than in 2010 (1.89 million tonnes). Cattle and dairy production also increased by 1.8% and 3.7%, respectively. 

 

The livestock sub-sector grossed PHP212.9 billion (US$4.94 billion) at current prices, 1% higher than in 2010. 

 

Chicken production increased by 4.5%, while chicken egg production moved up by 4.2%. Total value of poultry products amounted to PHP158.8 billion (US$3.69 billion) at current prices.

 

The fisheries sub-sector, which accounted for one-fifth or 20.7% to total agriculture output, decreased by 4.1%, as commercial and municipal fish production dipped by 16.3% and 2.9%, respectively. Aquaculture production, however, grew by 2.4%.

 

The fishery sub-sector grossed PHP225.1 billion (US$5.23 billion) at current prices, 1.85% more than in 2010. 

 

Commercial and municipal fish catch declined due to overfishing, illegal fishing activities, and rough seas and strong winds during the second semester caused by several typhoons. Meanwhile, the DA, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, will implement conservation policies and measures, like imposing no fishing during breeding season at selected seas to allow fish stocks to regenerate.

 

Earlier, the DA-BFAR implemented a three-month no fishing season for sardines at Sulu and Visayan Seas, starting December 1, 2011. The policy is implemented in consultation and coordination with commercial and municipal fishermen and industry stakeholders.

 

Overall, farmers, fishers and ruralfolk were better off in 2011, as farmgate prices of various farm and fishery products increased by about 9%. Farmers of major crops enjoyed higher average prices, at 14% more than in 2010.