DA reports P81M damage to agriculture from STS Kristine

Damage to the agriculture sector due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine has reached P80.8 million, affecting more than 4,798 farmers and damaging over 3,358 hectares of agricultural land across various regions including Bicol, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Central Luzon, Eastern Visayas, and Soccsksargen.

The Department of Agriculture reported a production loss of 8,600 metric tons on Friday, with palay accounting for 8,265 MT and corn for 102 MT, causing PHP49.9 million worth of damage; further losses are anticipated as field assessments continue in the Bicol region where initial damages amount to P38.7 million.

High-value crops and livestock have also incurred significant damage, with total losses amounting to P106,990 for high-value crops and P11,400 for livestock, including swine; local government units in the Bicol region are still assessing damages as flooding continues.

The DA has initiated several aid packages including agricultural inputs like seeds, drugs, and biologics from various regional field offices, as well as loans up to PHP25,000 with zero interest through the Survival and Recovery Loan Program for affected farmers in Bicol.

DA spokesperson Arnel De Mesa said that despite 70% of crops already harvested ahead of Kristine, more agricultural losses are expected. The DA also lowered its rice program projection for this year's harvest.