The damage to agriculture due to the onslaught of tropical depression "Agaton" has already reached P725.2 million, the Department of Agriculture (DA) revealed on Monday, April 18.
In a statement, the DA said the damage covers 17,925 hectares of agricultural lands in Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen and Caraga regions. Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops, and livestock.
It said a total of 19,424 farmers were affected based on the latest assessment.
Widespread flooding and several cases of landslides were reported particularly in Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas and the Davao region. The fatalities were reported to be at more than 172, alm ost all of them are due to the landslides in Leyte.
The DA offices in the affected areas are continuously conducting assessments to determine the extent of the damage of the weather disturbance.
But it vowed to provide assistance to the affected farmers and fishermen which include rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; and, Survival and Recovery (SURE) Program of Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC).