Typhoon Quinta, Rolly damage agri sector by P4.6 billion

Typhoon Quinta and Super Typhoon Rolly have caused an estimated P4.6 billion in damage to agricultural goods in the Philippines.

Typhoon Quinta alone resulted in P2.56 billion worth of damage, affecting nearly 47,864 farmers and fisherfolk and causing the loss of 145,577 metric tons of produce.

The initial assessment for Super Typhoon Rolly indicates damage to agricultural products worth P2 billion, affecting 30,094 farmers and fisherfolk and resulting in the loss of 116,962 metric tons of produce.

Damage from Rolly was reported across rice (P1.11 billion), high-value crops (P791 million), corn (P68.92 million), aquaculture (P17.76 million), fisheries (P4.53 million), and livestock (P269,520), as well as agricultural facilities (P10.58 million).

The Department of Agriculture (DA) noted that the total agricultural losses represent a minimal impact of about 1% on national rice requirements.

However, the DA Director mentioned that P24.6 billion worth of agricultural products were saved due to early harvesting before the typhoons hit.

Farmers with crop insurance from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation are eligible to claim up to P15,000 in damages.