In the second quarter of 2024, Iloilo was recognized as the leading producer of major fruit crops in Western Visayas, as reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The province excelled in the production of mango and pineapple while securing the second position for banana and calamansi output among the region's four key fruit crops. Iloilo accounted for 44.7% of the region's mango production, which totaled 56,972 metric tons (MT), surpassing both Guimaras and Negros Occidental. Similarly, it led in pineapple production with a 67.3% share of the 7,244 MT produced, again outdoing Negros Occidental.
Regarding bananas and calamansi, Iloilo contributed 34.6% and 33.4% respectively, to the regional production totals of 61,305 MT for bananas and 654 MT for calamansi. In the realm of non-food and industrial crops, Iloilo's contributions were more modest. The province produced 4.9% of the region's sugarcane, totaling 640,320 MT, and ranked second after Negros Occidental. For coconut production, Iloilo contributed 15.4% to the regional total of 146,163 MT. The province's share in abaca, tobacco, cacao, and coffee production was below 3% of the region's total output.
Source: Daily Guardian