DA revises 2025 palay production target downward amid extreme weather

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reduced its 2025 palay production target to a range of 20.09 to 20.39 million metric tons, a downward revision from the initial 20.46 million metric tons projection due to significant flooding and erratic weather.

Despite the adjustment, the DA still projects a harvest surpassing the 19.09 million metric tons produced in 2023, which was affected by El Niño and La Niña.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. cited the unprecedented rainfall volume as the reason for the more conservative stance.

In the first half of 2025, palay output increased by 6.4% year-on-year to 9.08 million metric tons, supported by favorable weather and increased government assistance.

The DA noted that the second half of the year, which contributes significantly to the annual harvest, will be critical in determining if the production reaches the upper end of the forecast.

The revised outlook translates to an expected 12.65 to 12.85 million metric tons of milled rice.