Typhoon Odette damages P6 billion in agri, DA allots P2.9 billion aid

Typhoon Odette has caused P6 billion worth of damage to agriculture, affecting 68,991 farmers and fishermen nationwide.

The production loss amounts to 118,426 metric tons across 288,677 hectares of agricultural land in multiple regions.

Commodities affected include rice, corn, high value crops, coconut, livestock, and fisheries, along with agricultural infrastructure and machinery.

Despite the losses, harvests of rice and corn prior to Odette's landfall contributed P615.53 million and P82.55 million, respectively.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated at least P2.9 billion in assistance, including P1 billion for rehabilitation and a Quick Response Fund.

The DA is also providing P148 million for rice seeds, P57.6 million for corn seeds, and P44.6 million for assorted vegetables.

Additional aid includes P500 million through the SURE Assistance Program, aid for fisherfolk from BFAR, assistance for livestock and poultry, and P828 million from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).