Palay

Palay production in Ilocos Norte grew by 9.04 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to same period last year.  The increase in the harvested area and yield contributed to the positive output of the province. From its production of 205,438 metric tons in 2016, the province obtained an increase output of 224,001 metric tons.

By ecosystem, irrigated palay posted a production of 175,667 metric tons in fourth quarter of 2017. This is 8.90 percent higher than 2016 record of 161,307 metric tons. On the other hand, rainfed palay was 16.94 percent higher with 44,610 metric tons output compared to 141,716 metric tons in 4^th quarter of 2016. Likewise, upland palay grew by 54.20 percent from 2,415 metric tons to 3,724 metric tons (Figure 1).

Ilocos Norte is second in terms of palay production in Ilocos Region.  Its production of 224,001 metric tons shared 19 percent to the total regional output for fourth quarter of 2017. The highest contribution came from Pangasinan with 55 percent or 666,600 metric tons. Ilocos Sur ranked third with 15 percent share or 181,713 metric tons, and fourth is La Union with 11 percent contribution or 137,582 metric tons (Figure 2).

The total harvested area for palay in the province of Ilocos Norte was estimated at 45,123 hectares this quarter of 2017, or 2.09 percent higher than the 2016 estimate of the same period. By ecosystem, the area harvested from irrigated palay dominated the total palay area in the province with 33,585 hectares. The output was higher by 1.56 percent or 585 hectares compared to the same quarter of 2016. Also, rainfed palay areas contracted by 0.94 percent or 94 hectares higher from the 9,949 hectares harvested in the same period of 2016. Likewise, upland areas increased by 45.19 percent or 305 hectares from 675  to 980 hectares. The figure below shows the Palay area harvested for the  fourth quarter, 2016 and 2017.

The average yield of palay in the province of Ilocos Norte went up by 6.80 percent, from 4.65 metric tons in fourth quarter of 2016 to 4.96 metric tons in 2017 of the same quarter. By ecosystem, both irrigated and upland palay ecosystems increased in yield. Irrigated palay went up from 4.80 to 5.15 metric tons per hectare, rainfed palay from 4.19 to 4.44, and upland palay grew from 3.58 to 3.80 metric tons per hectare output (Figure 4).

Corn

Corn production in the province of Ilocos Norte expanded by 3.60 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to same period last year.  A total of 2,617 metric tons were harvested in fourth quarter of 2017. This is higher by 91 metric tons compared to the 2016 production. The increase in the October to December production was attributed to the absence of destructive typhoons/unfavorable weather unlike last year; available soil moisture and sustained use of high yielding varieties for both white and yellow corn.

By ecosystem, white corn posted a production of 618 metric tons. This is 2.52 percent lower than last year’s record of 1,892 metric tons. On the other hand, yellow corn was 5.66 percent up with 1,999 metric tons volume of harvest compared to 2016 production of 1,892 metric tons. (Figure 5).

The province of Ilocos Norte ranked second among the four provinces in Ilocos Region in terms of corn production in fourth quarter of 2017. From the Region’s total production of 8,247 metric tons, about 32 percent came from Ilocos Norte. The province of Ilocos Sur topped the rank with 36 percent share. The provinces of Pangasinan and La Union ranked third and fourth with 18 percent and 14 percent contributions, respectively (Figure 6).

Total corn area harvested in the province of Ilocos for the fourth quarter of 2017 was 575 hectares. This was 0.01 percent lower than the total harvested corn area of 476 hectares in 2016 of the same period. By ecosystem, the area harvested for yellow corn dominated the total corn harvested area with 380 hectares. The output was higher by 2.70 percent or 10 hectares compared to the same quarter of 2016. In contrast, white corn areas declined by 5.34 percent or 11 hectares lower than the the same period of 2016 (Figure 7).

The average yield of corn in the province of Ilocos Norte posted a growth of 3.79 percent in fourth quarter of 2017. The fourth quarter 2016 yield of 4.23 metric tons per hectare went up to 4.39 metric tons per hectare in 2017 of the same period. By ecosystem, both white and yellow corn ecosystems increased, from 2.93 to 3.08 and 4.91 to 5.11 metric tons per hectare, respectively (Figure 8).

TECHNICAL NOTES

The Palay and Corn Production Survey (PCPS) covers sample farming household in sample barangays in all provinces except Batanes but including Zamboanga and Davao Cities. This 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/orn area, production and yield.

The purpose of this survey is to provide data inputs for policy and programs on rice and corn.

SGD.ALEJANDRO G. RAPACON, JR.

Chief Statistical Specialist

Ilocos Norte PSO