Palay Output Hits Record 9M MT in H1

Palay production in the first half rebounded to over nine million metric tons, hitting a record-high volume as a result of state interventions coupled by more favorable weather conditions.

- By JASPER EMMANUEL ARCALAS

Palay harvest from January to June reached 9.08 million MT, about six percent higher than the 8.53 million MT output in the same period last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The latest palay production figure is the highest first-half output recorded, PSA data showed.

The six-month figure surpassed the previous record of 9.03 million MT in 2023. In 2023, the country posted its highest full-year palay harvest of 20.06 million MT.

The increase in harvest this year was caused by higher yield and more planted areas as farmers were encouraged by the favorable weather conditions following the absence of an extreme weather condition.