Dar says farm sector grew 0.7% during third quarter

November 9, 2020

Amid the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and weather disturbances that hit the country, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said Monday  the agriculture sector ''performed positively'' by growing 0.7 percent during the third quarter.

Dar made this statement as the Philippine Statistics Authority will announce third quarter growth results on Tuesday.

"The Department of Agriculture is delighted to know that the country's agriculture sector once again performed positively during the third quarter  of the year, despite the combined effects of the community lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic and severe weather conditions during the months of July to September," Dar said.

"The 0.7 percent positive growth is a welcome news, as it confirms that we are on the right track particularly on our palay and corn production program initiatives in partnership with farmers' groups, local government units and the private sector," he stated.

"It is both inspiring and encouraging that production levels of palay and corn increased by 15.2 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively, during the third quarter versus the same three-month period last year," he added.

Dar said "as for fisheries, we are pleased that it grew by 1.9 percent due to increased catch of marine species."

"The performance of hog and poultry sectors was expected due to the lingering effects of the ASF (African Swine Flu) and low demand for poultry products, respectively," he said. Robina Asido/DMS