Karen leaves P3 B in agri damage

MANILA, Philippines – The cost of damage to agriculture in areas affected by typhoon Karen has risen to P3 billion with the rice sub-sector sustaining the most damage, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported.

As of 9 a.m. yesterday, total damages amounted to P2.97 billion covering 260,002 hectares of agricultural areas with an estimated production loss of 215,716 metric tons.

Affected commodities are rice, corn, vegetables and livestock with regions 1, 3, 4A (Calabarzon) and 5 suffering severe losses and affecting about 80,000 farmers.

Damage incurred on rice soared to P2.8 billion with 205,870 MT of production lost. Damaged were 260,002 hectares, of which 255,690 may still recover.

Majority of rice losses were reported in Central Luzon with a total of P2.2 billion, particularly in Nueva Ecija and Tarlac.

Losses incurred on corn crops reached P60.3 million with 4,651 MT of produce lost. Affected were 2,926 hectares, 2,580 hectares which may still recover.

Severely affected was the Bicol Region with P40.5 million in losses for corn crops.

The value of damage to vegetables is now placed at P106.4 million with 5,195 MT of produce lost. Affected were 2,828 hectares of cultivation area, 2,803 hectares of which have a chance of recovery.

On the other hand, the livestock sub-sector sustained P124,250 in damages.

The DA is already preparing its resources to replace damage crops as early as possible and reminded affected farmers to acquire certifications from municipal agriculturists for them to receive replacement seeds.

Complete damage assessment and validation of damages caused by Typhoon Karen remains ongoing, the DA said.

Meanwhile, the DA is preparing for the possible onslaught of typhoon Lawin, which is expected to intensify into a super typhoon.

Lawin (international name Haima) entered the Philippine area of responsibility yesterday afternoon.

In a memorandum issued yesterday, the DA said it was already preparing its proactive response to typhoon Lawin which could affect agricultural areas in regions 1, 2 , 3, 4A, 5, and CAR.

The agency directed regional offices to immediately activate their respective quick response centers and secure seed buffer stocks.

Apart from this, the DA instructed its field offices to mobilize neighboring regions to provide necessary assistance to regions that may be affected.

It also ordered close monitoring of PAGASA updates and the relocation of livestock that may be damaged.