August 16, 2013
Philippine Corn Federation assures enough corn supply after typhoon
Following the damage inflicted by Typhoon Labuyo on corn-producing provinces, corn farmers belonging to the Philippine Corn Federation (PhilCorn) made an assurance that it will not have a significant impact on output in the third quarter of the year.
PhilCorn President Roger Navarro said the typhoon damaged around 15% of corn-growing areas in Region two. "But we''re already nearing harvest so not all corn that were affected have been totally damaged. Some corn are still recoverable," he said in a telephone interview.
Farmers have started the harvest of corn when the typhoon battered Northern Luzon and destroyed crops in three regions. The Department of Agriculture (DA) disclosed on Tuesday (Aug 13) that Typhoon Labuyo, which battered farms in three regions, damaged rice, corn, vegetables and banana farms worth PHP438.27 million (US$10 million).
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Edilberto de Luna said Cagayan Valley, or Region two, suffered the worst, sustaining crop damage valued at PHP387.61 million (US$9 million). He also said the corn sector was the hardest hit, with corn farmers from Region two reporting losses amounting to PHP315.61 million (US$7 million). With the losses suffered by these producers, Navarro warned that there could be a slight uptick in the price of corn in the coming weeks.
The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) said in its latest report that the July-to-September corn output will likely increase by 7% to 2.6 million tonnes. Harvest area may expand from 906,800 hectares to 930,700 hectares or by 2.6%.
"Significant increments in production are expected in Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas and Caraga regions," said the BAS.
The attached agency of the DA said corn production for the whole year may reach 7.37 million tonnes, 0.4% lower than the 7.4 million tonnes produced in 2012.
The BAS said harvest area may contract to 2.58 million hectares from 2.59 million hectares last year. Yield may remain the same as the 2012 level of 2.86 tonnes per hectare.