Gov't urged: Provide crop insurance for farmers

A farmers group has urged the government to consider

the automatic produce insurance coverage for farmers and fishermen often affected by typhoons and natural calamities.

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas KMP issued the statement as the country braces for supertyphoon Karding (international name Noru).

"Walang pinipili ang mga bagyo at kalamidad. Kahit rehistrado o hindi ang magsasaka sa RSBSA o Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture at sa Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., kapag dinaanan ng bagyo ang mga pananim, sa isang iglap lang, lugi at may utang pa ang mga magsasaka. Our farmers need all the support they can get, particularly from the Department of Agriculture," KMP chair Rafael Mariano said.

Rice farmers in Laur, Nueva Ecija expressed worries about the possible devastation that Karding would bring to their crops and livelihood.

The group said the government is not doing enough to mitigate the risks and to prepare for the possible effects and aftermath of Karding.

The KMP advised its local chapters in Luzon to prepare for relief efforts and recovery efforts for farmers on the path of KardingPH.

"Our members are activating Sagip Kanayunan, Tulong Anakpawis, and other local relief efforts. We cannot rely solely on the government. Puro party, pasyal at pagpapasikat ang ginagawa ng Pangulo," Mariano said.

The super typhoon that underwent a rapid intensification overnight is forecasted to landfall this afternoon or early evening.

Weather bureau PAGASA warned of possible torrential rains and gusty winds. Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Southern Luzon are bracing for the impact of Karding.

"Farmers and fisherfolks are always vulnerable to calamities and extreme weather events occurring as a result of climate change," Mariano said, adding that over the past decade, the country lost more than US$10B due to climate-related hazards.

Typhoon Odette, the strongest typhoon that hit the country in 2021, resulted in P13.3 billion worth of damages to agriculture with 462,766 hectares of agricultural areas affected and 273,062 metric tons of total volume loss that affected 533,709 farmers and fishers.