Crops Production Survey 2016

In 1970s and 1980s, data collection for other crops was done simultaneously with the regular Rice and Corn Survey (RCS). The sample respondents of the RCS were also asked on basic production information on other crops grown. The estimation followed that of rice and corn. From 1980 to 1985, the then Bureau of Agricultural Economics (BAE) field staff and Agricultural Technicians (ATs) detailed with the BAE under the Regional Agricultural Data Delivery System - Ministry of Agriculture Integrated Management Information System (RADDS-MAIMIS) project were responsible for data collection. At that time, estimation of area and production was based on indicators such as average size of farms and number of growers. Reporting forms were not standardized. Provincial estimates for area and production for all crops were submitted on semi-annual basis for consolidation at BAE central office. Data were disaggregated at the regional level.

'In 1987 under Executive Order No. 116 when BAS assumed the mandate as principal agency responsible for Agricultural Statistics, replacing BAE, some improvements have been introduced on data collection. A separate data collection system for other crops was established. A three-stage sampling design was employed with the top 5 producing municipalities as the Primary Sampling Units (PSU), the top 5 producing barangays as the Secondary Sampling Units (SSU) and 5 farmer- producers as the Ultimate Sampling Units (USU). The results were supplemented and validated with data from other agencies. In this system, the provincial offices submitted estimates of the percent changes in area, production and total number of trees. Production estimates of about 20 major crops and 9 additional priority crops were computed quarterly. Production of the rest of the crops including area and bearing trees was estimated on a semi-annual basis.'

In 1989, only the provinces with a combined contribution of 80 percent to the total production of the major crops during the last three years were required to submit the Quarterly Report on Production (QRP). This system of reporting was implemented until 1999 when all provinces were required to submit the QRP. This requirement was an improvement since even the minor provinces could make significant differences in the estimates. Data management at the Central Office was also improved.

Starting in 2000, the quarterly report on production is based on the results of the Crops Production Survey (CrPS), a sample survey of farmer-producers, The CrPS is conducted quarterly to generate production estimates for crops other than the cereals. It generates estimates with national, regional and provincial levels disaggregation. Data on crops with specialized government agencies such as sugar, fibre, cotton, coconut and tobacco were supplemented and validated with data from other agencies.

The CrPS covered a total of 282 crops. The individual estimates of the 19 highlighted items in the quarterly Performance of Agriculture Report (PAR) are released at the national level while the rest are lumped as other crops. Provincial level estimates are available on an annual basis.