The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) forecasts that production of palay (paddy rice) for the third quarter (Q3) of the year, based on standing crop as of September 1, 2020, would reach 3.542 million metric tons (MMT), 16.1 percent more than last year’s harvest of 3.051 MMT for the same three-month period.
“The 16.1% increase in Q3 palay production compared with 2019 level is a very welcome development, as it confirms that we are on the right track and that our combined interventions are starting to pay off,” said Agriculture Secretary William Dar.
“The 16.1% increase in Q3 palay production compared with 2019 level is a very welcome development, as it confirms that we are on the right track and that our combined interventions are starting to pay off.”
The Duterte administration’s interventions administered by the Department of Agriculture (DA) include the: Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF); regular rice program; and rice resiliency project.
“We hope the favorable yield increase will follow suit with a similar good performance in the 4th quarter, barring major typhoons in the remaining months of the year.”
“We hope the favorable yield increase will follow suit with a similar good performance in the 4th quarter, barring major typhoons in the remaining months of the year,” Dar added.
“The 16.1% Q3 palay growth is also a testament to the hard work of our farmers, LGU-partners, and the private sector — as we all aim to increase the productivity, incomes, and competitiveness of Filipino rice farmers — under the continued guidance and strong support of the Senate, House of Representatives, and colleagues in the economic development cluster, led by Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez, and most importantly to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” the agriculture chief.