The damage caused by the combined effects of Tropical Storm ‘Crising’ and southwest monsoon (habagat) has risen up to P134.66 million agriculture losses, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
On Tuesday, July 22, the DA’s operations center said damage and losses in the country’s agriculture sector have increased from Monday’s P96.90 million as severe weather disturbance persists despite Crising’s exit from the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Data from the agency showed that the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas have reported damage and losses in rice, corn, cassava, high-value crops, fisheries, livestock, and poultry.
The DA said the torrential weather has affected 6,377 farmers and fisherfolk, with an estimated production loss of 3,412 metric tons (MT).
Up to 8,035 hectares (ha) of agricultural areas were devastated amid impact of Crising and Habagat.
Rice accounted for the bulk of the damage, with 91 percent or P121.88 million in losses, covering 7,911 ha and production losses of 3,075 MT.
Damage in corn production covered 99 ha, with output losses of 243 MT worth P5.34 million.
High-value crops also reported losses reaching P4.53 million, covering 25 ha and production losses of 94 MT.
Damage to livestock and poultry stood at P2.85 million, affecting 262 animals including chicken, swine, cattle, carabaos, goat, ducks, sheep, and turkey.
To assist affected farmers, the agency said it has distributed P495.44 million worth of agricultural inputs such as rice, corn, and vegetable seeds.
DA said further damage and losses are expected in the affected regions as assessment and validation are still ongoing.
