Nearly 200,000 hectares (ha) of standing crops may be affected by tropical depression (TD) "Aghon", the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Friday, May 24.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Aghon will cause stormy conditions over Eastern Visayas and the eastern section of Southern Luzon from Saturday to Sunday, May 25 to 26. It added that some parts of Central Visayas may also encounter rains and gusty winds as a result of the tropical depression.
The DA said the tropical depression is expected to hit Region II, Region V, Region VIII, and Region XIII.
Based on the data of the agriculture department, the said regions have a total of 199,268 ha of standing crops.
The total area includes 160,400 hectares of rice and 38,868, the agency noted.
According to the DA, the rice area comprises 30,340 hectares (18.92 percent) in the seedling and vegetative stages and 41,395 hectares (25.81 percent) in the reproductive stage.
“Those areas under the maturity stage contribute to the remaining 88,665 ha (55.28 percent),” the agency stated.
For corn, the DA noted that 15,210 hectares (39.13 percent) are in the seedling and vegetative stages, while 5,884 hectares (15.14 percent) are in the reproductive stage. The agency noted that those under the maturity stage contribute to the remaining 17,774 ha (45.73 percent).
The DA has advised farmers and fishers to harvest mature crops and make use of post-harvest facilities.
Farmers are instructed to secure seed reserves, planting materials, and other farm inputs, as well as feed and water for livestock.
As such, the DA said they should relocate animals, farm machinery, and equipment to higher ground.
The agency emphasized the importance of ensuring sufficient feed and water for relocated animals.
Farmers should also clear drainage systems in irrigation areas and rice paddies to prevent flooding, it added.