‘Karding’ agricultural damage reaches P141.3M
AT least P141.38 million worth of agricultural products and farmlands were damaged and lost in four regions due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon Karding last Sunday.
In its Bulletin No. 3 on STY “KARDING,” the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that based on the initial assessment, the damage and losses had been reported in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon).
The DA disclosed that there were 740 farmers affected, with the volume of production loss at 5,886 metric tons (MT) and 16,229 hectares of agricultural areas.
The affected commodities include rice, corn, and high-value crops. These values are subject to validation according to DA. Additional damage and losses are expected in areas affected by “Karding”.
The DA added that through its Regional Field Offices (RFOs), it is still conducting an assessment of damage and losses brought by Super Typhoon (STY) “Karding” in the agri-fisheries sector.
The DA continuously coordinates with concerned national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), and other DRRM-related offices for the impact of Karding as well as available resources for interventions and assistance.
To help the affected farmers, the DA will be distributing 133,240 bags of rice seeds, 5,729 bags of corn seeds, and 4,911 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds from affected regions and drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry.
On the other hand, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will give fingerlings and assistance to affected fisherfolk.
The DA also said that the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC); and P500 million worth of Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas will also be provided to the affected farmers and fishers.
