Agri Losses Reach P4.38 Billion Amid Monsoon, Storms

MANILA, Philippines — Agricultural damage from the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, Neneng, and Pilandok has reached P4.38 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). In its final update on Tuesday, the DA said the weather disturbances affected 99,663 farmers and fishers in eight regions: Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol and Western Visayas. The combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones damaged 102,791 metric tons of farm produce, reaching 81,511 hectares. Rice accounted for 46.99 percent of the overall damage, equivalent to P2.05 billion, mostly in vegetative and reproductive stages. High-value crops accounted for 31.44 percent, or P1.38 billion, followed by fisheries at 14.79 percent, or P647.79 million. Other affected commodities include corn, cassava, livestock, poultry, and agri-fisheries infrastructure, machinery, and equipment. The DA said it has prepared various interventions to help affected farmers and fisherfolk, including the distribution of P609.79 million worth of agricultural inputs such as rice, corn, vegetable seeds, and farm materials. /pai