Palay production in the first half of 2025 reached a record 9.08 million metric tons, a 6% increase from the same period last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
This marks the highest first-half harvest ever recorded, surpassing the previous record of 9.03 million MT set in 2023.
The increase was driven by better weather conditions, government support programs like the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, and expanded planting areas totaling 2.12 million hectares.
Despite the gains, some industry experts remain cautious, noting that the growth compared to 2023 is minimal and planted areas slightly declined.
The Department of Agriculture projects a record full-year palay harvest of 20.46 million MT in 2025, though this is still below the country’s total rice demand.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 1, 2025
