THE Philippine agriculture sector managed to grow by 0.5 percent in the second quarter of 2020 amid the problems brought by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic to the country's economy.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar bared this during the State of Philippine Agriculture Report recently, as he informed the nation regarding the status and agenda for the coming year of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
"Masasabi kong sapat ang supply ng pagkain. May year-end stock tayo ng bigas na aabot sa 90 days, mais na good for 237 days, manok para sa 182 days, at mga gulay na aabot sa 20 days. The growth of the agriculture sector this second quarter is 0.5 percent despite the pandemic. Our hard work is paying off. Bida ang agrikultura," Dar added.
Various problems were encountered in the agriculture sector such as the crop damage caused by the typhoons, eruption of Taal Volcano, an outbreak of the African Swine Fever (ASF), avian influenza, and now, the Covid-19 pandemic.
Despite the situation, the DA had been strategizing projects and programs that further boost the production of major food commodities and ensure the country's food security.
"We can be the solutions to problems of hunger and malnutrition. Together, we shall succeed in stopping out hunger as we pursue the different strategies under the 'Plant, Plant, Plant' umbrella program," Dar said.
According to Philippine Statistics Authority data, the value of agricultural production amounted to P439.8 billion, which was 4.6 percent higher than the previous year's level.
Dar also accepted the challenge of the Department of Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez to endeavor great efforts in attaining a growth by at least two percent in the agriculture sector every year.