The Department of Agriculture (DA) has observed signs of growth in the Philippine agricultural sector despite a series of calamities, crises, and animal disease outbreaks.
According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the interventions and reforms being implemented by the government in response to these issues are beginning to bear fruit.
He stated that the agricultural sector in the country is heading in the right direction, pointing to record-high volumes of products harvested from various industries as an example.
The secretary listed the challenges that significantly impacted the agricultural sector over the past year, including prolonged droughts, consecutive super typhoons, volcanic activity, and the resurgence of African swine fever cases.
These challenges, he noted, have affected nearly all regions in the Philippines, leading to a decline in the local food supply.
However, with government intervention, the agricultural sector is now showing growth. This year, the country is expected to harvest more than 20.46 million metric tons of rice, the highest production level in the country’s history.
The Philippines is also expected to produce the highest sugar output this year, while the corn industry has seen growth of up to 2.2 percent.
The agriculture secretary is confident that as long as the current administration’s reforms and interventions continue, the agricultural sector will sustain its recovery and growth.
