The country’s agriculture and fisheries output contracted by 3.3 percent in the second quarter, driven by a significant drop in crops and livestock production due to the El Niño weather phenomenon.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported the sector’s production value at P413.91 billion, about P14 billion less than the same period last year.
Notable declines included an 8.6 percent drop in crops, with sugarcane falling by 42.3 percent, and a 0.2 percent decrease in hog production.
Conversely, poultry production grew by 8.7 percent, and fisheries output increased by 2.2 percent.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is implementing measures to support affected farmers and mitigate the impact of El Niño, including cash assistance and vaccine procurement.
Source : PhilNews24 | August 8, 2024
