According to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Tuesday, Philippine agricultural output experienced a slight rebound in 2023 after three years of contraction. However, it still fell below the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) target.
The value of production in agriculture and fisheries grew by 0.7% in the last quarter of 2023, driven by higher production of crops, livestock, and poultry.
Crop production increased by 0.1%, with notable growth in mango, calamansi, pineapple, onion, and ampalaya. Livestock production expanded by 2.7%, while poultry production saw an increase of 7.8%. However, fisheries experienced a contraction, with a 5.2% decrease in the value of production.
Overall, the full-year 2023 growth in agricultural output was 0.4%, marking the first growth in four years. This growth, however, fell short of the DA’s target of 2.3% to 2.5% for 2023.
The value of crop production expanded by 0.7% for the year, with palay production in line with projections. However, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed concerns about potential challenges due to water shortages caused by El Niño.
Livestock production rose by 2.5% for the full year, while poultry production increased by 3.8%. Fisheries, on the other hand, contracted by 6.5%.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 31, 2024
