Maymay, Neneng agriculture damage climbs to P355 million

MANILA, Philippines — Damage to agriculture due to Tropical Depression Maymay and Typhoon Neneng has reached P355.63 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture.

The DA said the two tropical cyclones affected 11,928 farmers, with production loss of 25,297 metric tons (MT).

Up to 15,850 hectares of agricultural land in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos and Cagayan Valley were affected.

Rice accounted for the bulk of the damage with 24,723 MT in volume loss valued at P344.53 million.

The corn sector incurred losses amounting to P4.16 million.

Damage to high-value crops was estimated at P6.94 million.

The DA said it combined the damage caused by Maymay and Neneng as the two tropical cyclones occurred in a span of one week and affected the same agricultural areas.

The department is still assessing the damage and losses caused by the two tropical cyclones in the agri-fisheries sector.

“The DA continuously coordinates with concerned NGAs (national government agencies), LGUs (local government units) and other DRRM (disaster risk reduction and management)-related offices for the impact of the tropical cyclones as well as available resources for intervention and assistance,” it said.

The DA said mobile Kadiwa centers would be rolled out in areas affected by Maymay and Neneng to stabilize prices and the supply of agri-fishery commodities.

It said various forms of assistance would be provided for affected farmers and fisherfolk, such as rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds, drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry as well as fingerlings.

The DA said affected farmers can avail themselves of a loan of up to P25,000 under the Survival and Recovery program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.