Damage to the agricultural sector due to Tropical Storms Mirasol and Nando reached P964.45 million as of Thursday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said yesterday.
Heavy rains affected 32,738 farmers in the regions of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas, the DA’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center said in an advisory.
The weather disturbances damaged 82,557 metric tons (MT) of agricultural produce planted in 32,384 hectares.
“These values are subject to validation,” the DA said. “Further damage and losses are expected in affected regions as assessment and validation are ongoing.”
A total of 66,125 MT of rice valued at P687.92 million was lost, as well as 14,686 MT of corn worth P190.32 million.
High-value crops, such as cassava, livestock, and poultry, as well as infrastructure, machinery, and equipment, were also affected.
The DA is prepared to provide the following assistance to affected farmers and fisherfolk, including agricultural inputs such as palay, corn, and vegetable seeds.
The agency will provide fishers with tilapia, bangus, and catfish fingerlings, as well as livestock and poultry with drugs and biologics.
The National Food Authority (NFA) has released 2.44 million bags of rice for distribution through local government units and other relief agencies.
The Survival and Recovery Loan Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council is offering loans of up to P25,000 payable in three years at zero interest, along with indemnification from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.
