Philippine Agriculture Shows Resilience with Slight Growth in 2023 Output

The Philippine agricultural sector marked a modest resurgence in 2023, reflecting the first positive growth in four years, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Despite the growth falling short of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) target, the 0.4% increase in the value of agricultural and fisheries production signals a turnaround after consecutive years of contraction.

This rebound is attributed to the increased output in various subsectors. Crop production saw a minimal 0.1% rise, with notable surges in mango (11.4%), calamansi (4.0%), pineapple (3.8%), onion (3.4%), and ampalaya (3.2%) production. Livestock production experienced a more substantial growth of 2.7%, driven by increases in hog (3.7%), goat (1.3%), and a significant 17.2% leap in dairy production. Poultry production also contributed positively, registering a 7.8% increase, with chicken (8.1%) and chicken eggs (7.8%) leading the charge.

However, the fisheries subsector faced challenges, contracting by 5.2%, marked by significant decreases in the production of fimbriated sardines (tunsoy) by 34.2%, threadfin bream (bisugo) by 31.6%, blue crab (alimasag) by 31.2%, tiger prawn (sugpo) by 15.4%, and cavalla (talakitok) by 2.6%.

Despite these setbacks and missing the DA’s ambitious growth target of between 2.3% to 2.5% for 2023, the overall improvement in agricultural output provides a glimmer of hope. The production of palay (unmilled rice), standing at 20.059 million metric tons, met the DA’s projections, showcasing the sector’s resilience and adaptability.

However, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. cautions that the sector faces impending challenges, particularly due to the forecasted water shortage from the looming El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to persist until at least April 2024. This climate event could potentially lead to a 1.5-million metric ton loss in palay production. In response, the DA has initiated measures to mitigate the impact of the dry spell on food production, aiming to safeguard and potentially enhance the agricultural yield in these trying times.

As the sector navigates through these challenges, the marginal growth in 2023 provides a foundation to build upon, with concerted efforts from the government, farmers, and other stakeholders crucial in ensuring the stability and growth of the Philippine agricultural landscape.