DA: Palay output likely inched up in H1

MANILA, Philippines – The country’s palay production likely reached 8 million metric tons (MT) in the first half of 2013, up 1.4% from the previous year’s output of 7.89 million MT.

Agriculture Undersecretary for field operations and National Rice Program Coordinator Dante Delima said the projected increase in production could be attributed to higher output per hectare of farmers.

The Philippines aims to surpass its 2012 rice production of 18 million MT by producing 20 million MT this year. In 2014, the country intends to produce 21 million MT.

The country aims to be self-sufficient in rice by yearend.

A study by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics showed that per capita rice consumption in the country has been decreasing since 2008.

According to the 2012 Survey of Food Demand for Agricultural Commodities in the Philippines, average annual per capita consumption of rice has fallen to 114.26 kilograms from 128 kilograms in 2008.

The study also showed that annual per capita consumption of rice was highest among households belonging to classes A and B at 123.60 kilograms, and lowest among class E households at 109.90 kg.

Class E households were also the biggest consumers of rice substitutes such as corn, banana, camote, cassava and gabi.

The study showed that nationwide, 95.74% of households reported rice as their staple food. – Rappler.com