News Details

DA chief optimistic of agriculture prospects amid rise in grains output

NPO

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July 31, 2025

MANILA – Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed optimism about the country’s agricultural outlook following new data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showing higher palay and corn production in the first half of 2025.

“Palay and corn production for the January–June semester gives us hope for a better year for agriculture despite the challenges we now face,” Tiu Laurel said. “Mother Nature permitting, and with the help of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and lawmakers, we are cautiously optimistic that we could post a record harvest this year.”

PSA figures estimate palay production at 9.08 million metric tons, up 6.4 percent from 8.53 million tons in the same period last year. The total palay area expanded 2.7 percent to 2.12 million hectares, driven by a 9.2 percent second-quarter increase as farmers took advantage of improved rainfall in rainfed areas and expanded irrigated rice lands.

Government initiatives, including double-dry cropping programs implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and National Irrigation Administration (NIA), contributed to the growth. Since the first half usually accounts for over 40 percent of annual output, the latest data suggest the country may exceed the DA’s 2025 target of 20.46 million metric tons, surpassing the 2023 record of 20.06 million tons.

Corn output also climbed 5.2 percent year-on-year to 3.9 million tons. A 27 percent second-quarter surge to 1.5 million tons offset a first-quarter decline. However, total area planted to corn dipped slightly to 1.049 million hectares compared to 1.052 million hectares last year.

Rice and corn remain critical to the Philippine economy, with the agriculture sector contributing around 10 percent to GDP and employing two in every 10 Filipinos.

NPO News Team

DA-PR