Agricultural Development from year 2009 to year 2021

This research synthesis focuses on the agricultural sector of the Philippines. It touches on
the conditions and growth of the nation's agriculture.

The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in the Philippine economy and contributes
significantly to the national income and gross domestic product. It is one of the sources of
livelihood for the people. Moreover, agriculture plays a role in food supply and assurance of food
security because stable agriculture in a country means food security; as such, sustainable
agriculture does not need to depend on imports of products from other countries.

Agriculture is an essential part of the community; thus, for agricultural operations to

function, they require a support system and facilities (infrastructure) to remain viable (Houtz
2021). Infrastructure neglect in the Philippines, which has a 2% GDP, has stifled economic and
population growth and reduced the country's investment appeal (Llanto 2012). The economy and
agriculture may be badly affected by insufficient investment in rural areas, which can lower
agricultural productivity. According to a study by Llanto (2012), infrastructure like roads and
electricity is crucial for agricultural output. Access to these elements can boost agricultural
productivity, reduce input and transaction costs, and promote population expansion. Economic
growth may be less robust as a result of poor infrastructure investments. Local government
entities must develop comprehensive plans and procedures for implementing infrastructure to
boost regional development and earnings.

In 2009, the Philippine economy demonstrated resilience, with significant industries like
agriculture continuing their non-inflationary expansion. While livestock output increased
because of the halal sector and government initiatives, corn production increased due to more
demand and better market pricing. Due to fewer operations and a drop in the market for canned
tuna, fish production fell. Strong typhoons caused a reduction in rice production; tropical storms
caused a decline in chicken production; and high costs and diseases caused a decrease in swine
production. Philippine economic development depends heavily on fostering economic growth
and eradicating poverty in rural areas.
 The Philippine agriculture sector, a significant contributor to the GDP, has seen a wane in
its percentage share from 11.58% in 2010 to 9.43% in 2015. The sectors employed about 11.29
million Filipinos, representing 30% of the labor force from 2011–2015. However, climate change
has impacted agriculture, leading to significant losses in crop production and infrastructure
damage. Despite these challenges, the poultry sub-sector in agriculture experienced a 0.04
percent increase in Q3 2015, contributing 19.78% to total production.

As we all know agriculture is one of the sectors most vulnerable to climate changes. For
instance, from 2011- 2015, the sector suffered much loss. in terms of crop production and
damage to infrastructure due to calamities hitting the Philippines valued at PhP 163 billion. This
amount includes the income forgone due to production losses of 2.9 million tons of rice and 1.02
million tons of corn. The damage and losses brought about by the calamities suppressed the
growth of the agriculture sector (DA, 2015).

However, during the quarter 3 of 2015 the sub sector poultry in agriculture managed to increase
by 0.04 percent despite the harsh weather. Aside from this there is also an increase in livestock
by 3.25 percent. And for the fisheries it increased by 1.80% and contributed 19.78% in total
production.

In Q1 2018, the Philippines' agriculture sector experienced 1.8% growth, with crop
production increasing by 0.25 percent and livestock production by 1.64 percent. However, paddy
production decreased by 2.20 percent due to typhoons, and cassava production saw a 28.83
percent reduction. Despite these gains, crop production dropped by 0.98 percent due to paddy
production declines. Poultry production increased by 5.75 percent, and fisheries output declined
by 1.13 percent. Overall, agricultural production missed the 4% growth target.

The Philippine agriculture sector faces an obstacle in productivity and agricultural diversity,
hindering its ability to fully capitalize on expanding domestic and international markets.
Investment in technology, innovation, and essential support services are crucial for meeting these
limits. Technological advancements, such as digital agriculture and Smart farming innovations,
have helped increase crop yields and quality. The country has also implemented e-commerce,
cloud computing, power, security, and big data analytics to scale up and make timely decisions.
The use of F1 hybrid seeds, solar-powered irrigation systems, and various programs has
improved crop production efficiency. These innovations and technological advancements aim to
increase the country's ability to produce enough food for every Filipino family while maintaining
sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

Hence, the development of agriculture from 2009 to 2021 has fluctuated due to the many
factors that affect agriculture's growth. The production of agricultural products like rice,
livestock, and fisheries is constantly changing, mainly because of the frequent typhoons that
strike the Philippines from time to time, which affect the farms and diminish fishing activities.
The repercussions of the pandemic in 2019 have considerably strained the development of
agriculture and recorded a decline in the Philippine economy. The help of investing in
infrastructure for agricultural growth has proved fruitful, and with the advancement of
technology, the work in the agriculture sector has become more productive and efficient. In
conclusion, the total agricultural growth percentage and gross domestic product have not been
consistent throughout the years, with some parts of agriculture increasing and other factors
decreasing with different circumstances affecting the economy.
Group Members:
Benaning, Jowairiah B.
Cena, Angela Marie
Giron, Mica Allyson O.
Hadji Taher, Hanaa M.
Naim, Sittie Johanisa H.

References:
2009
Department of Economic Research (2009) ::Regional Economic Developments in the Philippines
First and Second Semesters.
https://www.bsp.gov.ph/Media_And_Research/Report%20on%20Regional%20Economic%20De
velopments/REDP_1Sem09.pdf

2012
Llanto, Gilberto M. (2012) : The Impact of Infrastructure on Agricultural
Productivity, PIDS Discussion Paper Series, No. 2012-12, Philippine Institute for Development
Studies (PIDS), Makati City
https://www.econstor.eu/handle/10419/126883

2015
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2015/11/13/agriculture-grows-q3/#:~:text=From%20January
%20to%20September%202015,lower%20than%20last%20year's%20value

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2015/04/29/agri-sector-gets-p85-6-b-budget-boost-in-2015/

https://niccdies.climate.gov.ph/mitigation/agriculture

2018
Ison L. (2018). Agriculture grows 1.8% in Q4 2018. Philippine News Agency.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059844

Rivas R. (2018). Agriculture grows a meager 0.56% in 2018, misses target. Rappler.
https://www.rappler.com/business/221717-agriculture-growth-philippines-2018/

2021
Farming First. N. D. Celebrating Science and Innovation in Agriculture.
https://farmingfirst.org/science-and-innovation#home
Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for The Asian and Pacific Region, 2018. The Current
State, Challenges, and Plans for Philippine Agriculture. https://ap.fftc.org.tw/article/500,
November 21.

Matero C. & Jumawan-Matero M. 2020. Smart Farming Innovations for Philippines: Strategies
and Recommendations. 10.2991/aebmr.k.200305.012.

National Institute of Food and Agriculture-United States Department of Agriculture. N. D.

Agriculture Technology. https://nifa.usda.gov/topic/agriculture-technology