Over 950k hectares of rice, corn fields will be smashed by 'Rolly' –DA's Dar

Typhoon Rolly, said to be the strongest this year, is expected to bring widespread damage to crops along its forecast track, the Department of Agriculture said Saturday.

“As of today (Saturday), based on the combined data of CAR, Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, and VIII, the area of standing crops that might be affected by ‘ROLLY’ totals to 928,324 for rice; and 58,341 hectares for corn,” the DA said in a weather bulletin.

In preparation for the typhoon’s onslaught, Agriculture Secretary William Dar urges farmers to harvest their mature crops immediately and, in other cases, delay planting until weather and field conditions are favorable for planting.

In particular, the DA said that of the total of 928,324 hectares of standing rice seen to be affected, the area under seedling and vegetative stage is at 179,442 hectares or 19.33%.

Meanwhile, the rice area under reproductive stage is at 306,732 hectares or 33.04% while the area under maturity stage is at 442,820 hectares or 47.70%.

For corn, the area of crops under the seedling and vegetative stage is at 31,960 hectares or 54.70% while the area under reproductive stage is at 4,182 hectares or 7.16%.

The corn area under maturity stage contribute to the remaining 22,290 hectares or 38.15%.

“On the other hand, fisherfolk are advised to secure fish cages, fishponds, as well as fish stocks prior to Typhoon ‘Rolly’,” the DA said.

“Moreover, fishers are advised to secure their bancas onshore or anchor in sheltered areas, and refrain from fishing if rough sea conditions prevail,” it said.

The Agriculture chief has also instructed the respective DA-Regional Field Offices (RFOs) to enforce appropriate measures to minimize damage to crops, livestock and poultry, aquaculture, and infrastructure facilities, including harm to farmers, fishers, other rural folk and their families.

As preparation for typhoon Rolly, the DA-RFOs along the track of the tropical cyclone are performing the following:

• Activation of DA Regional DRRM Operation Centers
• Coordination with the Local Government Units and other Regional DRRM-related offices
• Monitoring of actual field situation for possible damage that may be incurred in agri-fisheries
• Prepositioning of seeds for rice and corn, drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry

—LBG, GMA News