The Philippines’ value of production in agriculture fell by 2.6% in the third quarter of 2021, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported on Monday, November 8.

The drop was attributed to the decline in production of crops, livestock, and fisheries during the quarter. Only poultry recorded an increase in production.

At current prices, production in agriculture and fisheries was valued at P446.46 billion, 5.2% higher than in the same period in 2020.

From January to September, the value of production in agriculture went down by 2.5%.

Crop production slid by 0.2% despite a 6.7% increase in palay production. The overall figure was pulled down by the double-digit drops in other crops such as corn (-18.6%), abaca (-21.9%), and cabbage (-18.1%).

Production of livestock continued to decline and posted a 15.2% drop, as declines were observed in hog, goat, and cattle production.

Fisheries production also fell 0.4% in the third quarter, led by declines in tuna (-41.1%), blue crab or alimasag (-22.1%), and frigate tuna or tulingan (-21.1%).

The Department of Agriculture is aiming to grow the sector by 2% in 2021, a downward revision from its initial 2.5% target. Analysts earlier said the government is likely to miss even the lower goal. – Rappler.com