PH sugar production hits record 2 million metric tons

The Philippines has surpassed two million metric tons (MT) of local sugar production, marking the highest harvest in history and the first time this has been achieved since the 2020-2021 cropping year.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed this achievement, with the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) reporting 2.015 million MT as of June 8.

This output exceeds the initial projection of 1.7 million MT and the previous crop year's production of 1.922 million MT.

DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated this success reflects the administration's efforts to support farmers and boost agricultural production, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives.

The SRA had previously projected output to exceed two million MT, attributing earlier estimates to intensive research, distribution of high-yielding cane varieties, and a stable market.

Despite anticipated challenges from an El Niño drought, sugarcane crops showed remarkable recovery, further aided by the adjusted sugar harvest period from August to October.

The country's production demand is set at 2.3 million MT, and continued milling may increase the current volume, potentially leading to self-sufficiency in the coming years.