Agri damage due to El Niño reached nearly P10-B, says DA

The agricultural sector has incurred nearly P10 billion in losses due to El Niño, which is expected to persist until early next year, the latest Department of Agriculture (DA) data showed.

Latest assessments by DA regional offices showed that agricultural damage and losses have so far reached P9.99 billion amid the prolonged drought.

The damage was recorded in Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Caraga.

There were 324,327 farmers affected and 323,419 hectares (ha) of agricultural areas destroyed.

Of the total damage and losses recorded, corn accounted for the biggest share at P5.63 billion. Rice also suffered, with P3.65 billion in losses.

“For 2026, rice production is projected at approximately 18.6 million MT, representing a decline of roughly one million MT from the 2025 level,” said DA.

“Meanwhile, corn production in 2026 is projected to decrease by approximately 500,000 metric tons (MT) compared with 2025, as farmers face higher production costs, particularly inorganic fertilizers and fuel, alongside adverse weather conditions and El Niño,” the department said.

High-value crops also posted P655.74 million in losses. Among the affected crops are upland and lowland vegetables, spices, legumes, watermelon, banana, and pineapple.

Livestock and poultry, including swine, carabao, duck, chicken, goat, cattle, turkey, and goose, suffered P40.83 million in losses.

Cassava also recorded P5.60 million in losses.

However, the DA noted that the figures are subject to validation.

The Agriculture Department has so far provided P18.64 billion worth of interventions, including P10.82 billion worth of agricultural inputs and P6.26 billion worth of financial assistance.

The DA earlier said it is proposing a P61.99-billion action plan to mitigate the impact of El Niño on the country’s food supply and livelihoods. –NB, GMA News