MORE than P200-million worth of agricultural lands and products have been damaged due to the onslaught of Tropical Depression (TD) “Agaton” in Eastern Visayas and the Caraga region.

In Bulletin No. 3 on TD “Agaton” issued by the Department of Agriculture (DA), the damage and losses have been reported in Eastern Visayas and Caraga, amounting to P265.3 million affecting 2,132 farmers, with the volume of production loss at 16,532 metric tons (MT) and 3,060 hectares of agricultural areas.

The DA disclosed that the affected commodities are rice, corn, and high-value crops.

These values are subject to validation. Additional damage and losses are expected in areas affected by “Agaton”.

Meanwhile, the DA said that it will provide assistance to the affected farmers and fishers, which includes the distribution of rice, corn, and assorted vegetable seeds; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry and Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).

The DA added that there will be available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to indemnify affected farmers and the Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Cory Martinez