The value of Philippine agriculture and fisheries production rose 5.7 percent year-on-year in the second quarter to P437.53 billion, reversing the 3.2 percent contraction recorded in the same period last year.

The latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that crops remained the largest contributor, with output valued at P244.90 billion—up 11.3 percent. 

Palay and corn posted double-digit growth of 13.9 percent and 27.3 percent, respectively. Poultry production also rose 7.0 percent to P75.07 billion.

Meanwhile, livestock output declined 5.9 percent to P59.60 billion due to a 7.5 percent drop in hog production, while fisheries fell 4.2 percent to P57.96 billion.

To sustain the growth, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Wednesday that the government will continue to push for reforms, including changes to the Rice Tariffication Law, disease control programs, and investments in infrastructure, logistics, and research and development.

“We know that we still have to do a lot more to realize the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a modern agricultural sector, where farmers and fisherfolk reap the full benefits of their hard work. But this result—and that of the first quarter—is a clear indication that we are on the right track,” Tiu Laurel said.

Typically, stronger farm sector performance supports the national economic growth.

From January to March this year, when GDP grew 5.4 percent, agriculture and fisheries expanded by 2.2 percent and contributed 8.3 percent to overall economic growth.