Palay production hits record nine million metric tons in Jan-Jun

Palay production in the Philippines rebounded to a record-high nine million metric tons in the first half of 2025, driven by favorable weather conditions and government interventions.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that palay harvest from January to June reached 9.08 million MT, marking a six percent increase over the same period last year.

Agriculture officials remain optimistic about surpassing the projected full-year output of 20.46 million metric tons due to sustained state support and better weather conditions.

The Department of Agriculture attributes this positive outlook to higher yield and increased planted areas as farmers were encouraged by favorable weather following a dry spell last year.

To match or exceed the current record harvest, the country needs to produce at least 10.95 million MT in the second half with support from government programs like the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund and the National Irrigation Administration's third cropping program.