Dry spell destroys P91-M agri, fishery products in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The dry spell is taking its toll on the agriculture sector, causing at least P91.97 million worth of damage to crops and fishpond products in this city as of this week, officials said yesterday.

A total of 8,469.2 hectares of land planted with various crops and fishery products have been affected since February, city agriculturist Diosdado Palacat said.

Palacat said the areas affected were planted with rice, corn, banana, root crops and vegetables.

The city government urged agriculture officials to draft and implement measures to mitigate the effects of the dry spell and assist affected farmers.

Palacat advised local farmers to plant crops that can adapt to hot weather.