A farmer threshes newly harvested palay grains at a ricefield in Mogpog, Marinduque in central Philippines, March 22, 2016. — REUTERS

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it reduced its forecast for palay (unmilled rice) production following the July floods.

Palay production is now expected to come in at 20.09-20.39 million metric tons (MMT), against the previous forecast of 20.46 MMT, the DA said in a statement.

Palay production remains on track to exceed the 2024 total of 19.09 MMT, it said.

Year-ending rice inventory is now projected at around 3.86-3.96 MMT, the DA said.

Palay output was 9.08 MMT during the first half, up 6.4% year-on-year due to favorable weather and improved government support to the industry.

The DA said it expects the second half to account for 55% of palay output. — Andre Christopher H. Alampay

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