The prolonged dry spell exacted a heavy toll on the crops subsector, as it declined by 7.2 per cent. The late onset of the rainy season delayed planting of palay (unmilled rice) and corn to July and August. Hence, the bulk of palay and corn harvests will be accounted in the fourth quarter.
In terms of value, total agricultural production grossed P882.7 billion at current prices.
The poultry, livestock and fisheries subsectors—combining for about 56 per cent of total agricultural output—posted positive growths of 3 per cent, 1 per cent and 0.7 per cent, respectively.
The value of production of the three subsectors amounted to P428.9 billion (B), led by fisheries (P163.6B), livestock (P152.1B), and poultry (P113.2B).
On the other hand the crops subsector, contributing 44 per cent to total agricultural production, dipped by 7.24 per cent. Total gross output was valued at P453.9 billion at current prices.
Production of palay and corn dipped by similar 15 per cent to 9.27 million metric tons and 4.73 million metric tons, respectively. Total palay harvest amounted to P140.6B, and P51.9B for corn.
Other major crops, however, registered positive growth rates, led by tobacco (up by 11.6 per cent), mango (7.6 per cent), banana (1.2 per cent) and abaca (1 per cent).
The poultry subsector grossed P113.2B at current prices, contributing 15.5 per cent to total agricultural output. Chicken production grew by 2.8 per cent to P84.3B, and egg production went up by 5.9 per cent to P24.8B.
The livestock subsector grossed P152.1B at current prices, accounting for 12.7 per cent of total agricultural output. Production of hogs increased by 0.8 per cent to P124.8B, carabao grew by 3.6 per cent to P7.1B, and dairy was up by 14.6 per cent to P359M.
The fisheries subsector inched up by 0.7 per cent, with a total value of P163.6B, accounting for 27.4 per cent of total agricultural output. Aquaculture production was up by 1.9 per cent to P59.9B, municipal fisheries grew by 0.5 per cent to P58.2B, and commercial fisheries went down by 1.8 per cent, valued at P45.5B.
Overall, farmers once again enjoyed better prices for their products as average farmgate prices increased by 5.8 per cent.
Agri Growth Dips in January to September 2010
PHILIPPINES - Despite the Department of Agricultures interventions to minimize the effects of El Nino from January to September 2010, the countrys agriculture sector slowed down by 2.62 per cent, even as the poultry, livestock and fisheries subsectors posted positive growth rates.
