HIGHLIGHTS

As of May 1, 2018, the updated April-June 2018 palay production based on standing crop may increase from the April 2018 Round estimates. Conversely, corn production may be slightly lower than the April 2018 estimates.

PALAY

• The probable palay production for April- June 2018 based on standing crop as of 01 May 2018, may rise to 4.07 million MT. This may be slightly higher by 0.6 percent from April 2018 round estimate of 4.05 million MT. In contrast, it may decline by 1.8 percent from the last year’s level of 4.15 million MT (Figure 1). Likewise, harvest area may contract to 932.64 thousand hectares from the last year level of 947.19 thousand hectares. Yield may probably drop by 0.2 percent from 4.38 MT per hectare in 2017.

• The increments in palay production are foreseen in Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Quezon and Mindoro Oriental. These may be attributed to sufficient water, lesser incidence of pests and diseases coupled with good weather condition during the cropping period.
• About 633.41 thousand hectares or 67.9 percent of the updated standing crop has been harvested.
• Of the remaining updated standing palay crop, 37.9 percent were at vegetative stage, 19.0 percent at reproductive stage, and 43.1 percent at maturing stage (Figure 2).
• About 161.72 thousand hectares or 18.6 percent of the intended area to be planted for July-September 2018 have been actually planted.

CORN

• Corn production for the second quarter of 2018 may reach 1.27 million MT. This is slightly lower by 0.8 percent from the earlier estimates of 1.28 million MT and 4.6 percent lesser than last year’s level of 1.33 million MT. (Figure 3). Harvest area may remain at 391 thousand hectares. Yield may drop to 3.24 MT per hectare from 3.27 MT per hectare.

• The probable decrement in corn output may be attributed to:
• Decrease in yield brought about by the effects of intense hot weather in South Cotabato, Tarlac, Negros Occidental and Davao Oriental.
• About 215.46 thousand hectares or 55.1 percent of the updated standing crop have been harvested.
• Of the updated standing corn crop, about 55.6 percent were at vegetative stage, 18.4 percent at reproductive stage and 26.0 percent at maturing stage (Figure 4).
• About 205.33 thousand hectares or 24.1 percent of the planting intentions of the farmers for the July-September 2018 have been realized.

ROMEO S. RECIDE
Assistant Secretary
Deputy National Statistician Sectoral Statistics Office