The sugar output in the Philippines is likely to drop by 2 per cent in this crop year due to the La Nina weather phenomenon and the farmers opting for crops other than sugarcane.
As per the news report published in Business.inquirer.net, US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in its report said, “The sugar output is likely to drop to 2.14 million metric tons (MT) from the earlier year’s output of 2.15 million MT.”
The La Nina weather phenomenon characterized by excess rainfall in October or November would impact the growth of sugarcane, said the agency in a report.
The area under cane cultivation expected to decrease from 403,000 hectares previous year to 390,000 hectares this year may also impact sugar output, said the agency.
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has also halted sugar export to the United States following a dip in sugar output in the country. The government is aiming to improve sugarcane output by providing high-yielding varieties and adopting improved technology.
