DA says crop damage initially estimated at P134.7 million

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said preliminary crop damage estimates totaled P134.7 million following heavy rains generated by tropical storm Crising and the southwest monsoon.

Citing the DA’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operations Center, the DA said the estimate covers losses to rice, corn, cassava, high value crops, fisheries, livestock and poultry.

“Affected areas span 8,035 hectares while affected farmers and fisherfolk number 6,377,” it added.

“We are keeping a close watch to prevent significant price increases on key agricultural commodities,” particularly highland vegetables, it said.

The DA has allocated P495.4 million to provide inputs to affected farmers, on top of its quick-response funds, which can be tapped for rehabilitation, survival, and recovery loans, as well as indemnification via the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza