USDA – World Agricultural Production, Feb 2024

According to the USDA's February 2024 report, rice production in Sri Lanka for the marketing year 2023/24 is estimated at 3.3 million metric tons, an increase of 9 percent compared to the previous month and 17 percent compared to the previous year. The harvested area is projected to be slightly higher than the previous year at 1.2 million hectares. This increase in production is attributed to ideal weather conditions and improved access to agricultural inputs such as fertilizers. The government of Sri Lanka had previously banned imports of chemical fertilizers in May 2021 for environmental reasons, resulting in a decline in yields and overall agricultural production. The ban was lifted in November 2021, but farmers faced difficulties affording imported fertilizers due to global price hikes. However, with international assistance, the government now offers subsidized inputs to farmers, including fertilizers and seeds. Record rainfall during the maha season, along with above-average crop vigor in the main rice production areas, further support the positive outlook for rice production in Sri Lanka. In the Philippines, rice is cultivated year-round, and rice production is measured quarterly. The USDA's market year for rice starts in the third quarter (July to September). The highest rice outputs are typically observed in the fourth and first quarters, accounting for approximately 38 percent and 23 percent of total production, respectively. Overall, for the marketing year 2023/24, the USDA estimates rice production in the Philippines to be 12.5 million metric tons, a decrease of 1 percent compared to the previous month and last year. The harvested area is expected to remain unchanged from the previous month but decrease by 1 percent compared to the previous year. The estimated yield per hectare remains the same as the previous year at 4.13 tons.