The country’s agriculture sector grew by 1.44 percent in first half of 2013 on the back of stronger production in the fisheries, poultry and livestock subsectors, the Department of Agriculture reported on Wednesday.

In a press conference, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that the total gross value of various agricultural products reached P697.2 billion in January to June 2013, an increase of 1.44 percent higher based on constant prices, or 0.88 percent based on current prices.