Author: DA Press Office | 17 May 2021
After harvesting a record rice crop in 2020, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing back-to-back bountiful harvests, buoyed by the biggest palay yield to date for the first quarter (Q1), besting the previous high in 2018 Q1.
“We are pleased to report that the country’s rice farmers harvested a total of 4.626 million metric tons (MMT) for the first quarter of 2021, 8.6 percent more than in 2020 Q1, and erasing the record harvest in 2018 Q1,” said Agriculture Secretary William Dar.
“This record first-quarter yield further boosts our confidence to hit, or even surpass, the 20.4-million metric ton palay production target we set this year, barring strong typhoons and other natural calamities,” the DA chief added.
“We therefore commend millions of our rice farmers, and thousands of local government technicians and leaders, and industry stakeholders nationwide for this achievement. We also appreciate the efforts of our ‘OneDA’ team for vigorously implementing the various interventions that led to the improvements in yield,” said Secretary Dar.
For his part, Director John de Leon of the DA’s Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) said the production growth was due to improvements in both areas harvested and yield. Area harvested increased by 4.53 percent (%), while yield grew by 3.87% over the same three-month period last year.
“Area harvested to rice expanded from 1.10 million hectares (ha) to 1.15 million ha, while yield went up from 3.88 mt/ha to 4.03 mt/ha. Overall, area harvested contributed 54 percent to the incremental first quarter production, while the share of yield was 46 percent,” de Leon said in his report to Secretary Dar.
The first quarter growth in palay output was observed in both irrigated and rainfed areas, he added.
De Leon said the growth in area harvested can be attributed to the above normal rainfall due to a series of typhoons in the last quarter of 2020, which enabled farmers to do a quick turn-around planting.
“This only shows that our palay farmers are confident to continue planting rice, contrary to what detractors were peddling at the start of the implementation of the changes in the country’s rice policy,” Secretary Dar said.
Meanwhile, the DA chief said they also expect a more stable market for rice this year, despite the challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to the massive funding allocated to the industry under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), complemented by the DA banner national inbred and hybrid rice program, and rice resiliency project.
“We are slowly achieving a favorable equilibrium, wherein consumers have access to affordable rice, while our farmers reap bountiful harvests and earn bigger incomes as a result of yield improvements and stable prices of palay,” Secretary Dar said. ### (DA StratComms)
As an agricultural expert with a keen understanding of the rice industry, I find the article dated May 17, 2021, from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to be a testament to the remarkable strides made in rice production in the Philippines. My extensive knowledge in agriculture, including crop cultivation and yield optimization, allows me to delve into the intricacies of the report and shed light on the factors contributing to the record-breaking success mentioned.
The article emphasizes the Department of Agriculture's optimistic outlook after achieving a record rice crop in 2020 and eyeing back-to-back bountiful harvests. Agriculture Secretary William Dar's statements reveal a depth of understanding regarding the key metrics and goals set for the rice production sector. The data provided showcases a significant accomplishment, with a total palay yield of 4.626 million metric tons for the first quarter of 2021, marking an 8.6 percent increase compared to the same period in 2020 and surpassing the previous high in 2018 Q1.
Director John de Leon of the DA’s Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) further elucidates on the factors contributing to this success. He highlights the growth in both the area harvested and yield as key contributors. The area harvested expanded by 4.53 percent, reaching 1.15 million hectares, while the yield per hectare increased from 3.88 mt/ha to 4.03 mt/ha, representing a 3.87% growth. These statistics underscore the comprehensive nature of the improvement, with area harvested contributing 54 percent to the incremental first-quarter production, and yield accounting for the remaining 46 percent.
De Leon attributes the growth in area harvested to above-normal rainfall resulting from a series of typhoons in the last quarter of 2020. This allowed farmers to expedite the planting process, indicating the resilience and adaptability of the palay farming community. The article also highlights the confidence of farmers in continuing rice cultivation, despite initial skepticism regarding changes in the country's rice policy.
A noteworthy aspect is the expectation of a more stable market for rice in the current year, even in the face of challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Secretary Dar credits this anticipated stability to the substantial funding allocated to the industry under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), along with the support from the DA banner national inbred and hybrid rice program, and the rice resiliency project.
In conclusion, the success of the Philippine rice sector, as outlined in this article, is a result of a combination of factors such as favorable weather conditions, strategic policy implementations, and the resilience of farmers. This comprehensive approach, backed by data and expert opinions, signifies a positive trajectory for the rice industry in the Philippines.
