The Department of Agriculture (DA) is optimistic that the country’s farm output will post stronger growth in the second quarter of 2025, banking on improved weather conditions and intensified government interventions to drive rice and corn production — the backbone of the agriculture sector.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government is determined to build on the momentum from the first quarter, when agriculture grew by 2.2 percent. This marked a recovery from the scant 0.5 percent growth posted in the same period last year due to El Niño.

Even before the Q2 figures come in, agricultural prognosis for the second half of the year remains bullish.

“Given the latest production forecasts from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), we’re hopeful this quarter will build on the momentum we saw at the start of the year,” Tiu Laurel said. “But we must not let our guard down. We are doubling down on efforts to increase food production while boosting farmer incomes.”

Palay production in the second quarter is projected to rise to 4.36 million metric tons (MT), a 13 percent year-on-year increase, according to PSA data. This is driven by a 9.2 percent expansion in harvest area — up to 972,730 hectares — and better yields of 4.48 MT per hectare.

The gains are being attributed to favorable weather, stronger procurement by the National Food Authority — which is buying palay at P18 to P24 per kilo — and sustained support from the DA’s National Rice Program and the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.