CL, North suffer P19M agri damage due to Florita
AT least P19.10-million worth of agricultural products and farmlands have been damaged and loss due to the onslaught of typhoon Florita in Central Luzon and northern part of the country.
In its Bulletin No. 4 on STS “FLORITA,” the Department of Agriculture reported that the damages and losses were recorded in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, and Central Luzon.
The DA disclosed that there were at least 1,286 farmers affected by the typhoon with volume of production loss at 1,132 metric tons (MT) and 1,833 hectares of agricultural areas.
Affected commodities include rice, corn, and high value crops. These values are subject to validation. Additional damage and losses are expected in areas affected by “FLORITA”.
The DA, however, said that the movement of vegetable products in CAR was not heavily affected since no major road networks were distracted by the typhoon.
In view of this, there are no changes in the volume traded at the centers in La Trinidad.
The DA further assured that the supply and prices of basic commodities remain stable in regions affected by “FLORITA”.
The DA added that through its Regional Field Offices (RFOs), it continues conducting assessment of damage and losses brought by the typhoon in the agri-fisheries sector.
To help the affected farmers and fishermen, the DA will be distributing 69,046 bags of rice seeds, 3,840 bags of corn seeds, and 600 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds from affected regions; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; and fingerlings and assistance to affected fisherfolk from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC); and Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas are also available for the affected farmers and fishermen.
