The increased production of arable subsector (5.2 per cent) was higher than that of the livestock sub-sector (4.9 per cent) by increasing potato yield (4.3 per cent), mainly in Andahuaylas (Apurimac) and Ayacucho.There was also a growth of grape harvested area at 13.4 per cent, and rice production, especially in Piura in 58.6 per cent.

Arable sector growth was also due to increased production of ‘hard yellow corn’, alfalfa, olives and sugar cane. Garlic crops, coffee, mango and cotton recorded lower production figures.

Meanwhile, production of the livestock subsector remained higher for the poultry, cattle, pigs and milk.

However, egg production dropped by 1.1 per cent on 2011 figures. Fewer laying hens (0.5 per cent) and the lowest average yield (0.6 per cent) by the fall of placements of laying hens in 4 per cent, limited the growth of this subsector.

December Growth

December showed an increase of 7.4 per cent over the same month in 2011. This was largely due to significant growth of arable subsector (11.0 per cent), coupled to a a smaller rise in livestock productino (3.4 per cent).

Reflecting the year’s pattern as a whole, December arable production grew by 15.7 per cent due to increased production of rice. Levels of ‘yellow corn’, grapes alfalfa, onion, garlic, tomato and banana also lifted.

Through December poultry, cattle and pig and milk production all increased. A recovery in egg output was also noted.