Agri damage due to Odette climbs to P2.6 billion

The damage and losses to the agriculture sector caused by Typhoon Odette has so far reached P2.6 billion, according to the latest data released by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

As of 12 noon, December 22, the DA said the agricultural damage and losses brought by the calamity stood at P2.6 billion.

This is higher than the P2.2-billion worth of damage reported as of 5 p.m., December 21.

The amount covers volume of production loss at 87,640 metric tons (MT) and 60,451 hectares of agricultural areas in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, and Caraga.

The typhoon affected 34,747 farmers and fishers.

Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops, livestock, and fisheries.

Damage has also been incurred in agricultural infrastructures, machineries and equipment, the DA said.

“These values are subject to validation. Additional damage and losses are expected in areas affected by Odette,” it added.

The Agriculture department, however, said 11,454 hectares of rice have been harvested from Regions Mimaropa, VI, VIII, IX, XI, and XIII with an equivalent production of 34,433 metric tons amounting to P615.53 million.

“As for corn, a total of 2,452 hectares have been harvested from Region IV-A, Mimaropa, VIII, IX, XI, and XIII with an equivalent production of 6,965 metric tons amounting to P82.55 million,” the DA said.

The agency said its regional field offices are conducting assessment of damage and losses brought by disaster in the agri-fisheries sector.

“The DA continuously coordinates with concerned NGAs (national government agencies), LGUs (local government units) and other DRRM(disaster risk reduction and management)-related offices for the impact of Odette, as well as available resources for interventions and assistance,” it said.

The DA noted it will provide at least P1.75-billion worth of readily-available assistance to farmers and fishers affected:

• P1-billion worth of Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas
• P148-million worth of rice seeds, P57.6-million worth of corn seeds, P44.6-million worth of assorted vegetables
• Initial amount of P500-million under the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Assistance Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC)
• P1.64-million worth of fingerlings and assistance to affected fisherfolk from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
• P625,150 worth of drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry needs from RFO V
• Available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) to indemnify affected farmers

The DA said its DRRM operations center will continuously provide updates regarding Odette. — BM, GMA News