By Christine Fabro
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Sunday (Sept. 12) released an initial estimate of about P6.5 million damage and losses in the agriculture sector in typhoon-stricken Cagayan Province.
According to data from DA, the onslaught of Typhoon Kiko affected 596 farmers with a volume of production loss at 159 metric tons and 662 hectares of agricultural areas.
Affected commodities include high value crops (55.8%), rice (32.8%), and corn (11.4%).
The total value of loss and damages in commodities are as follows:
- High value crops – ₱3,628,800
- Rice – ₱2,136,097
- Corn – ₱739,194
The DA also said that the following assistance will be made available to the affected farmers:
- Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas;
- Rice, corn, and assorted vegetable seeds from affected regions;
- Drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry needs;
- Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC); and
Available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to indemnify affected farmers. – bny
