Agriculture dept., PH Coconut Authority optimistic on agri sector

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agency, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), both celebrated their respective anniversaries this June with optimism that the country's agriculture sector would have a bright future despite the recent challenges from climate change and geopolitical conflicts.

The DA kicked off its 126th anniversary celebration last June 25 with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. expressing his gratitude to the whole of the DA for their dedication and commitment to serving the country's farmers and fisherfolk. Laurel said: "As we celebrate the DA's anniversary, it is important for us to remember our significant role in making the Philippines progressive and resilient. And let me give tribute to all of you in the DA family, who have served and continue to serve the country's farmers and fishers, and the other stakeholders in the country's agriculture sector." "May all of you remember that you are behind the achievements of the DA. In my 8 months of being Agriculture Secretary, I have personally witnessed the dedication and professionalism in the way all of you work. Thank you for the support all of you have given," Laurel added. The Agriculture chief urged the DA family members to continue doing their best and support his leadership in implementing various projects, particularly the 4-year action plan, aimed to modernize the country's agriculture sector, among others. Despite the challenges encountered last year, the DA reported that the country attained a record palay (unmilled rice) production in 2023 or 20.06 million metric tons (MT). Also, the DA anticipated a year-end rice inventory at a significantly higher volume of 3.64 million MT with the impact of El Niño on palay production less pronounced than initially expected. Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols Manalo said the projected volume was equivalent to approximately 93 days of national rice consumption, exceeding the 1.9 million MT recorded in December 2023. Manalo, also the director of DA's National Rice program, said when the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration declared the end of El Niño on June 7, only 191,233 MT of rice, or about 2 percent of the 9.2 million MT target, ending the dry cropping season were reported as damaged to date. The national rice inventory represented a total volume of rice available within the country at a given period after subtracting the demand from various sectors such as food consumption, waste and other uses. This inventory encompassed both locally produced and imported rice. It served as a critical indicator for assessing food security and planning for agricultural and trade policies related to rice. If the DA's national rice inventory yearend projection was realized, the national inventory at the end of 2024 would be the highest in at least 15 years, topping the 3.42 million MT in 2010.