Farm sector rebounds, posts 5.7% growth in Q2

The country's agricultural output grew by 5.7 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, sustaining its recovery amid improved weather conditions and stronger crop and poultry yields.

- By Brix Lelis

The growth was higher than the 1.9 percent expansion in the first quarter and marked a sharp reversal of the 3.2 percent contraction a year ago.

The value of production in agriculture and fisheries reached P437.53 billion in the second quarter from P414.05 billion previously, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Year to date, the country's agriculture sector reaped a 3.8-percent growth, with total production value hitting P875.56 billion.

From April to June, crops accounted for 56 percent of the total value of production in agriculture and fisheries, contributing P244.9 billion. Palay and corn outputs rose by 13.9 and 27.3 percent, respectively.

The poultry sector likewise improved during the quarter, with the total production value growing by seven percent to P75.07 billion.