Nika, Ofel agriculture damage hits P8.1 million

MANILA, Philippines — Damage to agriculture in areas affected by Typhoons Nika and Ofel was estimated at P8.12 million.

The Department of Agriculture (DA)-Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center said 535 hectares of agricultural land and 530 farmers in Quezon, Batangas, Negros Occidental, Masbate and North Cotabato were affected, with production losses at 409 metric tons.

The rice sector was hardest hit, with P6.32 million or 78 percent of the damage, affecting 227 hectares with 364 MT.

Damage to the corn sector was placed at P1.39 million, affecting 303 hectares with 20.3 MT and high-value crops, with P414,000 in damage covering nearly five hectares and 25 MT in produce.

The DA is still assessing damage to crops, livestock and fisheries, including farm infrastructure and buildings.

The department said a quick response fund is on standby for the rehabilitation of affected areas.

The DA-Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. will grant indemnity to farmers and fishermen who availed themselves of insurance coverage.

The DA has prepositioned 55,555 bags of rice seeds, 8,051 bags of corn seeds and 1,169 kilos of vegetable seeds from various regions.

Recovery loans are also being readied.