Farm Output Grows 5.48% in First Half

Source from:  ABS-CBN 08/16/2011

MANILA, Philippines - The farm sector posted a growth of 5.48% in the first half this year, boosted by an 11.1% expansion in the crops subsector which contributes 51.8% to total agricultural output. Palay and corn registered, record outputs of 7.58 million metric tons (MT) and 3.31 million MT, respectively. The livestock and poultry subsectors - which grew by 0.85% and 3.6%, respectively - also contributed to the improved performance of the entire agriculture sector. The fisheries subsector, however, dipped by 2.9%, as commercial and municipal fish catch decreased during the first half of 2011. In all, the gross value of agricultural output amounted to P706.4 billion at current prices, about 16% more than last year's level. Among major crops, sugarcane made a full recovery from the effects of a dry spell last year, and grew by 75.6%. Other good performers were tobacco (11.5%), rubber (6.2%), pineapple (3.2%), banana (1%), abaca (1.2%). The crops subsector grossed P411.8 billion at current prices, 31.1% higher than last year. The livestock subsector - accounting for 15.3% of total agricultural production -registered a 0.85% increment in output this year. Hog output went up by 1%. Gross value was estimated at P103.1 billion at current prices, 1.6% lower than last year. The poultry subsector grew by 3.6%, grossing P77.8 billion. Production of chicken grew by 3.8%, while chicken eggs increased by 3.5%. The subsector contributed 13.4% to total agricultural production. The fisheries subsector - which shared 19.6% to total agricultural production - dipped by 2.9% during the first semester, as commercial and municipal fish catch decreased by 15.6% and 2.7%, respectively. Aquaculture production, however, grew by 5.2%. The value of aquaculture and marine fish products totaled P113.6 billion at current prices, 1.1% more than last year. In all, farmers, fishers, poultry and livestock raisers were better off, as average farmgate prices of their respective products were roughly 10% more than the same six-month period last year. Prices of various crops increased by an average of 18%, while those of fishery products went up by 4.1%. Enditem