The agricultural damage caused by super typhoon Karding has reached P141 million, the Department of Agriculture (DA) revealed on Monday, Sept. 26.
In a statement, the DA said the initial assessment also disclosed that at least 740 farmers were affected.
In the agriculture department’s Bulletin No. 3, it noted that the estimate covers 16,229 hectares of agricultural areas in Cordillera Administrative Region ( CAR ), Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon.
The DA said the volume of production loss in the said areas is at 5,886 metric tons.
“Affected commodities include rice, corn, and high-value crops. These values are subject to validation,” the agriculture department said, noting that “additional damage and losses are expected in areas affected by Karding.”
Currently, the DA said its Regional Field Offices (RFOs) are assessing damage and losses caused by Karding 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 Management)-related offices for the impact of Karding, as well as available resources for interventions and assistance,” it said.
Aid for affected farmers, fishers
The agriculture department said it has made available for distribution to affected farmers and fishers a total of 133,240 bags of rice seeds; 5,729 bags of corn seeds; and 4,911 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds from affected regions.
Meanwhile, the DA said it will also provide drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry.
Affected fisherfolk will receive fingerlings and assistance from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), it added.
The agriculture department will also provide P500 million worth of Quick Response Fund or QRF for the rehabilitation of affected areas.