Damage caused by typhoon Dodong (international name: Noul) to the country’s agriculture sector has topped P2.7 million, the Agriculture department said yesterday in a preliminary estimate.

In his initial report, Agriculture Undersecretary Emerson U. Palad said Region II experienced realized “some adverse effects from the calamity.”

“To date, the total value of losses from the region due to Dodong is pegged at P2.707 million,” the report dated May 11 read.

The crops affected - which are all in the maturing stage - are all located in Cagayan province.

Of the total damage, rice accounted for P2.52 million equivalent to 144 metric tons (MT) -- covering 649 hectares.

Corn, on the other hand, had P187,200 share or a total of 14 MT covering 16 hectares.

Mr. Palad said in his report that “the rains brought by the typhoon were generally beneficial particularly in land preparation activities.”

He said there were no losses so far in other areas hit by the typhoon, particularly in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Regions I, III and V.

“We are still awaiting and validating the reports coming from other areas affected by the typhoon,” Mr. Palad said.

He added that technical staff from the Agriculture department and local government units are conducting field assessment to further assess the impact of the weather disturbance.

Source - http://www.bworldonline.com/