THE Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said it cut its estimate for output of palay, or unmilled rice, in the three months to September to 3.25 million metric tons (MMT), from the previous estimate of 3.32 MMT.
The latest estimate, if realized, would come in 4.2% lower than the year-earlier total, reflecting the impact of typhoon and monsoon damage in key growing areas.
PSA said typhoons and heavy rains came during the reproductive and maturation stages of the rice crop in Northern Luzon and the key rice-growing area of Nueva Ecija.
PSA said about 34.21% of the updated standing crop has been harvested.
Meanwhile, the estimate for corn output in the three months to September was cut to 2.176 MMT from 2.182 MMT in July. If realized, the new estimate would come in below the year-earlier output of 2.589 MMT.
PSA said the rains brought by the Habagat, or southwest monsoon, reduced yields in Negros Oriental, South Cotabato and Sarangani, while a decline is expected in Cebu due to insufficient soil moisture during the crop’s vegetative stage. — Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio
