Flash floods destroy rice and high value crops in Ifugao

FLASH floods caused by the “habagat” (southwest monsoon) damaged P14.6-million worth of agricultural produce in Ifugao farms, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

In its latest report, the DA said the floods affected 728 metric tons (MT) of rice and high value crops across 198 hectares of agricultural areas in Ifugao. The DA added that about 684 farmers incurred losses due to the weather disturbance.

“Affected commodities include rice and high value crops. These values are subject to validation,” it said.

“The DA continuously coordinates with concerned NGAS [national government agencies], LGUS [local government units] and other DRRM [disaster risk reduction and management]-related offices for the impact of the Habagat, as well as available resources for interventions and assistance.”

The DA report showed that 69 percent or about P10.1 million of the initially reported agricultural damage in Ifugao farms were recorded in the high value crops (HVC) sector. The DA said about 489 MT of assorted vegetables across 78 hectares were destroyed by the floods.

The remaining P4.5-million worth of losses were recorded in the rice sector. The DA said the floods damaged 239 MT of rice across 120 hectares of farms.

“The following assistance will be provided to the affected farmers and fishers: rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry,” the DA said.

The agency said it will utilize a quick response fund to rehabilitate the affected areas. The DA added that the affected farmers may avail of the Survival and Recovery loan program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council while farmers insured by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. will be indemnified.

Veggie supply

DESPITE the damage caused by floods to Ifugao farms, the DA Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) office assured the public that there will be “enough” supply of highland vegetables.

“Coordination is also being undertaken with respective national government agencies and local government units to immediately put in place interventions and support to enable farmers to quickly recover from their losses,” it said in a statement on Sunday.

“At the onset of the Habagat, the Da-disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operation Center has advised farmers to harvest matured crops and make use of postharvest facilities, as well as secure seed reserves, planting materials and other farm inputs, including feed and water for livestock.”