Aghon agriculture damage reaches P81.8 million

MANILA, Philippines — Damage to the agriculture sector due to Typhoon Aghon has increased to P81.84 million, according to the Department of Agriculture.

The DA said production loss reached 2,586 metric tons, covering 948 hectares of rice, corn, cassava and high-value crops in Calabarzon and Mimaropa.

High-value crops incurred the highest amount of losses at P47.39 million followed by palay at P25.09 million and livestock and poultry, P4.54 million.

Damage to corn was estimated at P2.5 million and cassava, P1.21 million.

In Calabarzon, damage to agricultural infrastructure was estimated at P965,000 and machineries and equipment, P135,000.

The DA assured the public that its regional offices are validating and assessing the impact of Aghon on agriculture and fisheries.

“The best possible efforts are being undertaken to carry out assistance and appropriate interventions for affected farmers,” the DA said.

It said agricultural inputs and other assistance would be provided to 1,482  farmers in Calabarzon and Mimaropa.

Aside from P23.06 million worth of seeds, planting materials and bio-control measures, farmers can avail themselves of a loan worth P25,000 under the Survival and Recovery Loan Program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council.

DA Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa said P1 billion in Quick Response Fund can be tapped for the rehabilitation of affected areas.