Heavy rains and floods in Mindanao in the
south in late January, killed at least 11 people and displaced a further
20 000. There is possibility that casualties and the estimate of damage
will increase. Although heavy crop damage is reported, as yet the full
damage is not known. The Office of Civil Defense has recommend a provision
of 40.0 million pesos, for emergency relief and rehabilitation for affected
families.
The main crops in the ground are currently
dry season rice and maize, planted in Oct-Dec for harvest from April/May.
Latest projections, indicate that output of the paddy crop will be around
5.4 million tonnes, some 2 percent higher than 1999. Overall, an increase
in area planted and higher expected yields, indicate that paddy production
could be around 12.5 million tonnes this (2000) calendar year, similar
to last year's record 11.8 million tonnes. Production in 1998 was severely
affected by El Niño related weather anomalies. Much however, will depend
on the weather during the remainder of the year, especially during the
main wet season from July to December.
1999 maize output was 4.6 million tonnes, around 9 percent above the five-year average and 20 percent higher than the previous year. Due to heavy rains which resulted in a decrease in area planted, first quarter maize production is projected at 1.1 million tonnes, some 14 percent lower than in the same period in 1999. In view of the shortfall, it is expected that additional maize imports will be necessary to meet demand in the feed sector.