Ferdie, habagat cause over P100M agri damage

Tropical Cyclone Ferdie, along with the enhanced southwest monsoon, caused an estimated P107.42 million in agricultural damage nationwide.

The adverse weather conditions affected 1,372 farmers and fisherfolk, resulting in volume losses of approximately 4,749 metric tons across 1,547 hectares of farmland.

Rice production sustained the most significant losses, valued at P98.3 million, with most of the damaged crops in the reproductive and maturity stages.

Corn production incurred losses of P6.06 million, high-value crops at P2.99 million, and livestock and poultry at P29,000.

Initial reports came from DA regional field offices in Mimaropa and the Western Visayas, and these are subject to validation.