The agricultural damage caused by the recent typhoons has soared to more than P1.7 billion, affecting over 50,000 farmers and fisherfolk, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

In its latest report, the DA said the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and typhoons Luis, Maymay and Neneng ravaged plantations worth P1.73 billion, and affected 50,277 farmers and fisherfolk.

Despite the 40,954 hectares of farmland impacted by the weather disturbances, the agency said 31,721 hectares still have a chance to recover.

The DA, however, noted that the volume of losses reached 43,220 metric tons (MT), with further damage and losses expected as assessments and validation in affected regions continue.

Rice sustained the bulk of the damage at 26,912 MT, valued at P974.82 million. Most of the damage was recorded while the crop was in vegetative and reproductive stages.

This was followed by high-value crops, with losses at 12,492 MT worth P540.11 million. This included upland and lowland vegetables, such as spices, calamansi, banana, and root crops.

Corn and cassava also recorded damage and losses of 2,954 MT worth P85.33 million and 852 MT valued at P22.99 million, respectively.

The fisheries and aquatic resources sector also incurred P9.26 million in damages, affecting several seafood products as well as fishing boats and gear, tanks, and office buildings.

Losses in the livestock industry climbed to 23,188 heads worth P14.85 million, which included chickens, fighting cock, swine, cattle, carabaos, and goats, among others.

Furthermore, irrigation facilities, farm structures, and machinery were also damaged, valued at P60.96 million, P16.61 million, and P1.37 million, respectively.

Due to the impact of the weather disturbances on the farm sector, the DA released a raft of interventions to help affected farmers and fisherfolk.

This includes P210.93 million worth of farm inputs such as rice, corn, and vegetable seeds.

The agency also distributed 3,631 50-kilo bags of rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) to the affected local government units (LGUs) of Ilocos, Cagayan, Central Luzon, and Mimaropa.

Loans of up to P25,000 from the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) are available, which come interest-free with a three-year repayment term.

The DA also allocated an initial amount of P35.67 million to indemnify 5,005 insured affected farmers and fisherfolk through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

Source - https://businessmirror.com.ph