Agri loses P315.5M to inclement weather

The Department of Agriculture assured the public that it is coordinating with local authorities to finalize damage assessments caused by the northeast monsoon, intertropical convergence zone, shear line, and low-pressure region during the holiday season.

The DA made the commitment as its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center said the amount lost to agriculture due to the recent heavy rains has reached P315.5 million.

The DA-DRRM, in its Bulletin No. 3, said the damage continues to grow and affect hundreds of farmers due to the combined effects of the inclement weather.

More than 10,180 farmers have reported damage and losses in the Mimaropa, Bicol, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga regions, the Agriculture department said.

The DA added that the production loss totals 3,049 metric tons and 15,566 hectares of agricultural land.

Areas affected

Assorted vegetables and root crops were damaged in Zamboanga City, Oriental Mindoro, Catanduanes, Eastern Samar and Bohol, hitting P1.7 million in losses.

For corn, around a P16.1-million volume loss was recorded, with Camarines Sur being severely hit.

Misamis Oriental, meanwhile, recorded the highest loss on farm animals, including cattle, chickens, ducks and swine.

Around P174,300 worth of damage to livestock and poultry was initially reported.

The highest worth of loss was reported in rice production amounting to P297.4 million, or 3,011 metric tons of volume loss.

The worst-hit areas include the provinces of Oriental Mindoro, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Camarines Sur, Biliran and Misamis Oriental.