Kristine agri damage reaches P4.85 billion

MANILA, Philippines — The amount of damage caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine to the agriculture sector has risen to P4.85 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Data from the DA’s operations center showed damage and losses in rice, corn, cassava, high-value crops, livestock and poultry, and fishery as well as machinery and agricultural infrastructure were recorded in the Cordilleras, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Soccsksargen and Caraga.

Up to 105,166 hectares of agricultural areas were destroyed at the height of Kristine, resulting in production losses of 580,367 tons and displacement of at least 120,315 farmers.

Palay plantations incurred most of the losses with 85 percent, or P4.12 billion in total damage covering 97,303 hectares and production losses of 509,852 tons.

The DA said the volume of palay damage is equivalent only to 2.52 percent of the total annual production target of 20.19 million tons.

Meanwhile, 11 percent or P554.83 million in damage was recorded for high-value crops covering 5,672 hectares.

Damage to corn production reached P62.38 million covering 2,056 hectares.

The DA said it would provide P541.02 million worth of agricultural inputs to address the damage caused by Kristine. It said at least P1 billion in quick response fund is available for the rehabilitation and recovery of affected areas.

Shift in planting calendar eyed

Meanwhile, the DA is considering shifting the palay planting calendar to minimize the impact of Kristine.

Lorna Calda, officer-in-charge of the DA’s field operation services, said adjustments should be made in the planting calendar for the country to adapt to the impact of climate change.

“We have historical data on when typhoons enter the country and which areas are always affected,” Calda said. “For example, when rains enter in September or October, harvest should be done before these months.” 

She said farmers should be made aware of the effects of climate change.

Calda said that in Bicol, among those rescued in the floods were employees of the DA.