DA bets on staple crop for agri rebound

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is increasing efforts to raise rice and corn production, key components of the country’s agricultural output.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed optimism that the sector will build on its first-quarter recovery, citing favorable weather and timely government support.

“Given the latest production forecasts from the Philippine Statistics Authority, we’re hopeful this quarter will build on the momentum we saw at the start of the year,” Tiu Laurel said.

Agricultural output grew by 2.2 percent in the first quarter of 2025, a sharp turnaround from the 0.5-percent growth recorded in Q1 2024 at the height of El Niño. The DA aims to sustain and surpass this growth, with the agency’s flagship programs playing a central role.

The Philippine Statistics Authority projects second-quarter palay production at 4.36 million metric tons, a 13 percent increase from the same period last year, supported by a 9.2% increase in harvest area and higher yields per hectare.

The DA’s National Rice Program and the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund are credited with strengthening the rice sector. The National Food Authority has also stepped up palay procurement, currently buying at P18 to P24 per kilo to stabilize farmgate prices.

Corn production is also expected to rise, with a 27 percent increase projected in the second quarter to 1.487 million metric tons, alongside expanded harvest areas of over 402,000 hectares.

“But we must not let our guard down. We are doubling down on efforts to increase food production while boosting farmer incomes,” Tiu Laurel said.

The DA is also intensifying efforts beyond direct subsidies, including expanded irrigation from the National Irrigation Administration and broader implementation of contract farming schemes.

“These numbers are encouraging, but this is just the beginning,” the agriculture chief said.

“With sustained funding support for rice programs, we remain fully committed to achieving food security by end-2028, in line with the President's vision.”