Philippines Jan-June farm output growth slower; up 1.53 percent on-year

Philippine farm sector output from January-June slowed to 1.53 percent from a year earlier as production of major crops, such as corn, fell, the Department of Agriculture said Friday (August 14).

The sector had expanded 4.72 percent in the first half of 2008. In the second quarter, the farm sector saw 0.87 percent on-year growth, slower than both the 2.27 percent posted in the first quarter and the 5.50 percent expansion in the second quarter of 2008.

Corn output during the January-June period slid 2.59 percent from a year earlier. Production of some other crops, including sugar cane and coffee, also posted declines.

This was offset by a 3.59 percent expansion in the production of paddy rice as well as gains in fisheries and livestock subsectors.

Livestock production during the period grew by 3.42 percent while fisheries improved 4.90 percent from a year earlier. Poultry growth was also slower, at 4.31 percent.

Agriculture accounts for nearly a fifth of gross domestic product, and employs nearly four in 10 Filipinos.