DA urges early harvest as Tropical Storm Kristine approaches

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday reported that 60 to 70 percent of farmers in nine regions at risk from Tropical Storm Kristine have harvested early.

Farmers were instructed to monitor local disaster risk reduction management updates, store inputs properly, relocate machinery and animals, and clear irrigation systems; they could also use combine harvesters available at DA regional offices for harvesting rice once it is 85 percent ripe and corn when it reaches 85- to 90-percent maturity.

Fishers were told to avoid sea travel and secure fishing vessels in higher grounds.

DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa assured a stable rice stock inventory despite weather disturbances, citing increased projections for rice imports from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Local governments were also instructed to prioritize health and safety measures for response personnel and evacuees based on Operation L!STO protocols.

The DA has prepositioned aid for affected farmers and fishers, including seedlings, farm inputs, quick response funds, indemnification funds, and credit.