AGRICULTURAL losses from tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng, and the enhanced southwest monsoon have reached P1.73 billion, affecting 50,277 farmers and 40,954 hectares of farmland, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Thursday.
In its latest damage assessment, the DA said production losses totaled 43,220 metric tons across the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Western Visayas.
Affected commodities include rice, corn, cassava and other high-value crops, as well as fisheries, livestock and poultry. Damage was also reported to agricultural and fisheries infrastructure, machinery and equipment.
“Further damage and losses are expected in affected regions as assessment and validation are ongoing,” the DA said, adding that it has prepared P210.93 million worth of rice, corn and vegetable seeds for distribution to farmers.
It has also allocated 3,631 bags of National Food Authority rice for Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Mimaropa.
The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. has released P35.67 million in insurance payouts to 5,005 affected farmers.
Farmers may also avail themselves of zero-interest Survival and Recovery loans of up to P25,000 through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.
The DA’s regional field offices in affected areas have mobilized assistance to farmers and consumers, including the deployment of Kadiwa trucks to transport agricultural products and deliver aid.
The agency said it is coordinating with regional disaster risk reduction and management councils, local government units and other government agencies on response measures.
It is also monitoring commodity prices and the movement of agricultural products to help ensure adequate supply and prevent profiteering.
