Extra rains in Q2 boon, bane for cash crops

Rainy weather in the second quarter caused increases and slight declines in the output of some of the country’s major nonfood and industrial crops.

According to a recent report from the Philippine Statistics Authority that showed how seven crops reacted to current weather patterns, tobacco production dipped during the period to 37,000 metric tons from 38,000 MT in the same period last year as it thrives in dry weather.

Sugarcane output, on the other hand, surged by 35 percent to 6.91 million MT against last year’s production of 5.12 MT as sugarcane grows better under rainy conditions.

Abaca, which also prefers dry weather, logged a 1.2-percent decline in production to 18,000 MT in the second quarter versus 18,200 MT the year prior.

The country’s coconut and cacao output rose by 0.8 percent and 9.9 percent, respectively, to 3.29 million MT and 2,200 MT.

Coffee, which is sensitive to rain and flooding, reported a slight dip in production to 5,870 MT from 5.880 MT.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) closely monitors these industrial crops, also considered “cash crops,” as these are usually exported and can yield higher profits than fruits and vegetables.

DA continues to develop these industries by consolidating farmers and entering into supply contracts with the private sector.