The volume of palay production in the Ilocos Norte registered higher growth in 4th quarter 2024 compared to its level a year ago. The production recorded at 218,175 metric tons, or 1.55 percent higher than the 214,848 metric tons output in 4th quarter 2023. About 78.9 were irrigated and the rest were rainfed.

As to the harvest area, the province recorded a decrease of 1.46 percent, that is   from the 41,476 hectares in 4th quarter 2024 to 40,881 hectares in the same period of 2023. Meanwhile, the yield per hectare increased from 5.25 metric tons to 5.26 metric tons.
 

Palay production by ecosystem (irrigated vs. Rainfed) for 2023 and 2024.

By ecosystem, palay production from irrigated areas reached 172,140 metric tons. In comparison, production from the rainfed ecosystem was lower by 73.3%, or 126,105 metric tons in the same quarter of 2023. However, rainfed palay production increased from 45,710 metric tons in 2023 to 46,035 metric tons in 2024, reflecting a 0.71% year-on-year growth.
 

Palay Production Percent Share by Province in metric tons.

Ilocos Norte ranked second in contributing to the total palay production of Region I (Ilocos Region), which amounted to 1,282,168.22 metric tons. Pangasinan contributing the highest share at 765,844 metric tons (59.7%), making it the primary rice-producing province. Followed by Ilocos Norte with 218,175 metric tons (31.57%), maintaining a strong production base, while Ilocos Sur accounts 177,607 metric tons (25.22%), playing a moderate role in the region’s overall output. La Union, 120,542.22 metric tons (12.35%), has the smallest share but still contributes to the regional supply. This distribution underscores the dominant role of Pangasinan in regional rice production, while the other provinces provide significant but smaller contributions. The data reflects the varying agricultural capacities across the region, with Pangasinan serving as the primary rice-producing province.

Palay Yield Performance in Ilocos Norte: 4th Quarter 2023-2024

In Ilocos Norte, the total palay yield showed a slight increase of .09 percent from 5.25 metric tons per hectare in 2023 to 5.26 in 2024, indicating stable productivity. Irrigated palay maintained a higher yield of 5.4 metric tons per hectare, highlighting the benefits of irrigation in sustaining higher production levels. Meanwhile, rainfed palay recorded a lower yield of 4.8 metric tons per hectare, reflecting the continued impact of limited water availability on productivity. Overall, the province experienced marginal growth in yield, with irrigated areas contributing significantly to maintaining output levels.

Sgd. MARILYN P. VERGARA
Chief Statistical Specialist
Ilocos Norte Provincial Statistical Office

MGB/JAS
 

TECHNICAL NOTES

The Palay Production Survey is one of the two modules of the Palay and Corn Production Survey (PCPS), formerly known as the Rice and Corn Production Survey (RCPS).

The Palay Production Survey is a quarterly survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). It aims to generate estimates on corn production, area and yield and other related information at the provincial level. The four rounds are conducted in January, April, July and October. Each round generates estimates for the immediate past quarter and forecasts for the next two quarters. Results of the survey serve as inputs to planners and policy makers on matters concerning the corn industry.

The scope of the Palay Production Survey includes:

- Production, area planted/harvested and yield by ecosystem and seed type
- Usage of seeds, fertilizer and pesticides
- Source of irrigation water and adequacy
- Monthly distribution of production and area harvested
- Farm household disposition of production
- Area with standing crop
- Planting intention for the quarter