Agri damage climbs to P454.12 million due to storms

Agricultural damages and losses from the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong have surged to P454.12 million.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that 20,959 farmers and fisherfolk in 10 regions were affected, with 20,413 hectares of farmland sustaining damage and production losses amounting to 13,376 metric tons.

Commodities impacted include rice, corn, cassava, high-value crops, fisheries, livestock, poultry, and agricultural infrastructure.

The DA is mobilizing over P1 billion in total assistance, including P596.52 million worth of seeds for distribution.

Financial assistance also includes a P400 million allocation for zero-interest loans.

The National Food Authority has distributed 2,100 bags of rice for relief efforts.

Further damage assessments are ongoing, and figures are subject to validation.