The government is projecting Philippine rice production in 2013 to hit some 13.4 million metric tons (MTs) from the current output of 12.5 million MTs.

The projected increase in output is attributed to the completion of four major irrigation projects by 2012 which are expected to raise then by about 859,053 MT the country's annual rice production.

The irrigation projects will help government create an environment of profitability so farmers and fisherfolks nationwide can be more motivated to engage in agricultural production as some of them are increasingly finding this activity to be lacking in income potential.