Nueva Ecija: Agriculture leader

NUEVA ECIJA — The province of Nueva Ecija ranked as the second-largest contributor to the country’s agriculture, forestry and fishing (AFF) sector in 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Nueva Ecija contributed 4.6 percent of the total Gross Value Added (GVA) of the AFF sector, highlighting its strong agricultural capacity. The province is among the Top 10 contributors, collectively accounting for 36.3 percent of the nation’s total AFF output.

The Provincial Product Accounts (PPA), formally institutionalized in 2025 through PSA Board Resolution No. 1, Series of 2025, provides detailed local data to measure the economic contributions of provinces. Nueva Ecija continues to be a key driver of the country’s agricultural production and overall development.

Known as the “Rice Granary of the Philippines,” Nueva Ecija is a landlocked province in Central Luzon. Its capital is Palayan City, while Cabanatuan City serves as its largest urban and economic center. The province is a major hub for rice, onions (especially in Bongabon), buffalo milk, vegetables and fruits, reinforcing its vital role in national food security and agricultural output.