Ruby’s damage to agriculture hits Php1.91-B

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (center), flanked by DA Undersecretary Atty. Emerson Palad (left); and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director Atty. Asis G. Perez, discuss updates on the effects of Typhoon “Ruby” (Hagupit) to the agriculture and fishery sectors on Monday (December 08, 2014) during a press conference at the DA office in Diliman, Quezon City. (PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.)

MANILA -– The Department of Agriculture on Thursday said that Typhoon Ruby has damaged Php1.912 billion worth of agriculture in 82,134 hectares of land in Regions IV-A, IV-B, V, VI and VIII and affected 116,754 farmers.

In a report, Agriculture Undersecretary Emerson Palad said that as of Wednesday afternoon, palay production loss is estimated at 78,497 metric tons (MT) valued at Php1.54 billion.

“Fortunately, the damaged palay in the affected 55,872 hectares were mostly at the vegetative and reproductive stages of growth. Of the total affected area, 37,314 has. (67 percent) has a high chance of recovery,” he said.

For corn crops, damage was at Php51.71 million in 24,402 has.

However, of the total area affected, 99 percent – or 24,228 has. – have good chances of recovering.

Meanwhile, high value crops incurred damages of Php226.42 million; fisheries Php48.22 million; and livestock at Php6.46 million.

Damages to agri-facilities/infrastructure and equipment is currently Php34.75 million.

Palad said that current damages to palay and corn would have minimal effects on the projected production volume in the first quarter (Q1) of 2015.

According to the DA official, palay and corn losses only constitute 1.83 percent and 0.38 percent,respectively, of the Q1 projected production of the two staples.