News Details

Rice, Corn Harvests Surge in First Half of 2025 on Strong Gov’t Support, Favorable Weather

NPO

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August 1, 2025

MANILA – The country’s rice and corn production posted significant gains in the first half of 2025, buoyed by favorable weather conditions and sustained government interventions, according to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The Department of Agriculture (DA) hailed the report as a positive sign for the sector and a step closer to achieving food security goals.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed cautious optimism following the release of the figures. “Palay and corn production for the January to June period gives us hope for a better year for agriculture despite the challenges we now face,” Laurel said. “Mother Nature permitting, and with the support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and our legislators, we are optimistic that we could post a record harvest this year.”

PSA data showed palay (unmilled rice) output reached 9.08 million metric tons (MT) from January to June, a 6.4 percent increase compared to 8.53 million MT in the same period in 2024. The expansion was fueled by a 2.7 percent increase in total palay planting area to 2.12 million hectares. The second quarter alone registered a 9.2 percent jump in planted area to 972,882 hectares, driven by favorable rainfall in rain-fed regions and higher utilization of irrigated lands.

To sustain growth, the DA, in partnership with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), ramped up programs promoting double-dry cropping in major rice-producing provinces. With the first-half harvest accounting for more than 40 percent of the annual total, the DA said the country’s full-year target of 20.46 million MT is now within reach. The Philippines’ record rice output stands at 20.06 million MT in 2023, while 2024’s harvest dipped to 19.09 million MT due to El Niño- and La Niña-related disruptions.

Corn production also showed strong recovery, rising 5.2 percent year-on-year to 3.9 million MT. A 27 percent surge in second-quarter corn output to 1.5 million MT offset the 5 percent decline recorded in the first quarter. Interestingly, the total area planted to corn slipped slightly to 1.04 million hectares from 1.052 million hectares a year ago, suggesting that yield improvements played a key role in the overall increase.

The DA said the combined gains in rice and corn output underscore the importance of sustained support for farmers through irrigation, input subsidies, and climate-resilient practices. Laurel added that with continued government backing and stable weather patterns, the agriculture sector is on track to deliver one of its strongest performances in recent years.

NPO News Team:

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