Agriculture incurs P14-M loss due to ‘Dante’

MANILA – Some PHP14.60 million losses to agriculture were recorded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) as of June 2, affecting 477 farmers due to Tropical Storm Dante.

The volume of production loss, including rice and corn, was placed at 500 metric tons (MT) in 616 agricultural areas in Soccsksargen and Caraga regions.

For rice, some 455 MT were damaged valued at PHP13.1 million planted to 540 hectares farmlands.

On the other hand, some 41 MT of corn were damaged due to the bad weather valued at PHP1.45 million planted to 76 hectares of agricultural land.

These figures, however, are still subject to validation, the DA said.

The DA said it has utilized its quick response fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas.

Interventions to help affected farmers and fisherfolk include distribution of rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds, farm inputs and feeds.

Affected farmers are also urged to apply for the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.

Funds are also being readied by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to indemnify affected farmers.