Manila: The country’s sugar production is expected to exceed two million metric tons (MT) this year, according to a report released Monday by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).
The projected output is significantly higher than the SRA’s earlier estimate of 1.782 million MT for the current cropping year.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona credited the improved yield to the agency’s focus on research and the widespread distribution of high-yielding sugarcane varieties.
“I used to have doubts about the effectiveness of our developed cane varieties,” Azcona admitted. “But it’s clear now that we’ve successfully bred varieties that perform very well and contribute to increased production.”
As of the latest assessment, the SRA estimates local sugar production at approximately 1.84 million MT.
“We were cautious with our forecast, especially after experiencing a severe drought due to El Niño,” Azcona noted. “Even so, the cane crops bounced back well, and sugar prices have remained steady throughout most of the season.”
In addition to research efforts, Azcona also pointed to the adjusted harvest schedule as a factor in the stronger output.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had earlier approved a shift in the start of the sugar harvest, moving it from August to October to better align with crop conditions.
