Release Date :
Reference Number :
2017-25
Palay production in Region I in 3rd quarter 2017 increased, while corn production decline as compared to its respective level in 3rd quarter 2016.
Palay
The overall palay production in Region in 3rd quarter 2017 increased by 11.6 percent from 152,133 metric tons to 169,825 metric tons. The province of Pangasinan contributed to the overall growth in output of the region. Early onset of rains allowed more plantings. Plantings that are expected to be harvested in the last quarter of the year were already harvested during the period. Overall yield per hectare also increased from 4.51 metric tons to 4.61 metric tond due to availability of rehab seeds from DA and LGUs, distribution of subsidized and free fertilizers, better performance of new seeds varieties, and no occurrence of destructive typhoons.
The province of Pangasinan shared 60.2 percent to the total palay production in Region I in 3rd quarter 2017. Palay production output of the province went up from 80,506 metric tons in 3rd quarter 2016 to 102,239 metric tons this 3rd quarter 2017. Early onset of rains favored more plantings. Early harvesting was also observed. The overall yield per hectare improved from 4.36 metric tons to 4.46 metric tons due to increased usage of high quality seeds.
The province of Ilocos Norte, which ranked second in terms of volume of palay production in 3rd quarter 2017, posted lower output as compared in 3rd quarter 2016 level. Its production during the quarter was posted at 35,307 metric tons, lower than the 36,899 metric tons recorded in the same period last year. Delayed plantings were observed due to delayed release of water from irrigation systems, and intermittent rains. However, the overall yield per hectare improved from 4.77 metric tons to 5.00 metric tons due to availability of seeds from DA-RFO I and LGUs, and better performance of new seed varieties.
Lower palay production was observed in the province of Ilocos Sur in 3rd quarter 2017. From the output of 21,249 metric tons in the same period in 2016, it went down to 20,853 metric tons this year. Late release of irrigation water was noted due to the on-going rehabilitation of irrigation and canals. Lesser volume of rainfall was also observed. On the other hand, overall yield per hectare improved from 4.56 metric tons to 4.71 metric tons due to sustained usage of high quality seeds.
Palay production in the province of La Union decreased by 15.2 percent in 3rd quarter 2017. From its level of production in 3rd quarter 2016 of 13,479 metric tons, it went down to 11,426 metric tons in 3rd quarter 2017. There were lesser plantings due to late release of water from irrigation systems. The total harvest area was reduced from 2,831 hectares to 2,384 hectares. Meanwhile, its overall yield per hectare improved from 4.76 metric tons to 4.79 metric tons.
In terms of area harvested, the province of Pangasinan has the largest, with 62.3 percent share. It was followed by Ilocos Norte with 19.2 percent, Ilocos Sur with 12.0 percent, and La Union with 6.5 percent.
Corn
Corn production in 3rd quarter 2017 went down by 1.3 percent attributed to shifting to seed production, and unrealized planting intentions due to high moisture content during the planting schedule. Total corn production during the period was posted at 10,858 metric tons. All the provinces of Region I, except Ilocos Sur, contributed to the negative growth in output. The yield per hectare, however, improved from 4.08 metric tons to 4.23 metric tons due increased fertilizer usage, use of high quality seeds, and favorable rains during the reproductive stage.
The province of Ilocos Sur shared the bulk of corn harvest during the 3rd quarter 2017, with a share of 43.1 percent to the total corn production in Region I. Its production went up by 30.0 percent from the output of 3,602 metric tons in 3rd quarter 2016. The overall harvest area of the province expanded from 889 hectares to 1,048 hectares due to availability of seeds, and sustained good price in the market. The overall yield per hectare also improved from 4.05 metric tons to 4.47 metric tons.
The province of Pangasinan, which ranked second in terms of volume of production, posted lower output of 3,053 metric tons in 3rd quarter 2017 as compared to 3,880 metric tons recorded in 3rd quarter 2016. High soil moisture content was observed during planting schedule. Thus, area harvested went down from 830 hectares to 663 hectares. The overall yield per hectare of the province also decline from 4.67 metric tons to 4.60 metric tons.
Corn production of Ilocos Norte decline from 2,363 metric tons in 3rd quarter 2016 to 2,062 metric tons in 3rd quarter 2017. Lesser areas were planted due to frequent rains during the planting season. However, overall yield per hectare of the province improved from 3.69 metric tons to 3.72 due to increased fertilizer usage, and better performance of new varieties.
The province of La Union also registered lower corn production in 3rd quarter 2017. From 1,158 metric tons volume of production in 3rd quarter 2016, it went down to 1,059 metric tons in 3rd quarter 2017. The harvest area of the province decreased from 338 hectares to 298 hectares due to shifting to seed production. Meanwhile, overall yield per hectare went up 3.43 metric tons to 3.55 metric tons.
In terms of harvest area of corn, the province of Ilcoos Sur has the largest in 3rd quarter 2017. It shared 40.9 percent to the total harvest area of Region I. It was followed by Pangasinan with 25.9 percent, Ilocos Norte with 21.6 percent, and La Union with 11.6 percent.
TECHNICAL NOTES
The Palay and Corn Production Survey (PCPS) covers sample farming households in sample barangays in all provinces. The PCPS is conducted quarterly with the quarters as the reference periods, as follows:
April Round Survey - January to March
July Round Survey - April to June
October Round Survey - July to September
January Round Survey - October to December
The objective of the survey is to generate estimates and forecasts on palay/corn area, production and yield.
The purpose of this survey is to provide data inputs for policies and programs on rice and corn.
SGD. SOCRATES L. RAMORES
Regional Director
