'Ruby's initial damage to agriculture hits over $22 M

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The agriculture sector has initially incurred an estimated damage of P1.02 billion ($22.8 million) from typhoon Ruby, a senior government official said today.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the estimated damage to agriculture involved 55,850 hectares of farmland and 56,090 metric tons of crops and fisheries as well as in infrastructure in Bicol, Western Visayas and Eastern Visayas regions.

He said the initial damage to agriculture by Hagupit was less severe than during the onslaught of Haiayan in November last year.

Damage to agriculture was worse during Haiyan because farmers had yet to harvest their crops when it hit the country, he said.

"For typhoon Ruby, farmers were able to harvest mature crops even before the typhoon had its landfall while fishermen were also able to place their boats into safety, following government agencies' advisories," he said.