The estimated cost of damages to the agriculture sector by Typhoon Agaton has ballooned to P2.3 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The DA said the estimated damage cost is expected to increase as the DA-Disaster Risk Reduction Management operations assessment continues.
Data showed that almost 54,000 farmers and fisherfolks from Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and Caraga Region are affected.
The estimated damages to rice rose to P947.3 million, fisheries at P778.6 million, high value crops at P241.8 million, livestocks and poultry at P37.5 million, and corn at P53.2 million.
At least 25,600 hectares of agricultural areas were damaged by Agaton and production loss was tolled at more than 70,000 metric tons.
The government has already prepared a P715.4 million fund to assist the affected farmers and fisherfolks.(PTV News)/ML- ag
