As much as 632,706 hectares (has.) of land planted to rice and corn may be affected by tropical depression (TD) “Amang,” according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The DA’s bulletin issued at 12 noon yesterday collated data from the regions of Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol and Eastern Visayas.
The bulletin said 602,728 has. are planted with rice and 29,978 has. with corn.
Citing data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services, the DA said the center of the weather disturbance are Camarines provinces, Lamon Bay and mainland Quezon province, possibly passing Polillo Islands.
TD Amang is forecast to weaken into a low-pressure area by today due to the combined effects of land interaction, dry air intrusion and increasing vertical wind shear.
The DA said it has prepositioned seeds for rice and corn, drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry in safe storage facilities. It is coordinating with local government units in disseminating information and in monitoring field situation for possible damage that may be incurred in crops and livestock, among others.
The DA’s available interventions for distribution to affected farmers and fishers include rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; fingerlings and assistance to affected fisherfolk; Survival and Recovery loan program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council with loanable amount of up to P25,000 payable in three years at zero interest; and quick response fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas. – Jed Macapagal
