Agri sector damage from Ifugao flash floods reaches P20M

Flash floods in Ifugao. Image from PNP- Banaue / PIA Ifugao

MANILA, Philippines — The total estimated agricultural damage and losses in Ifugao is now at P20.17 million, said the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday, after flash floods caused by the southwest monsoon, hit the province.

According to the DA’s latest report, this cost translates to a total volume loss of 928 metric tons (MT), affecting 783 farmers and 356 hectares of agricultural land.

High-value crops, or assorted vegetables, were most affected, with a total volume loss of 489 MT worth P10.11 million.

Rice crops came close, suffering a volume loss of 439 MT worth P8.34 million.

A total of 83 heads of livestock, specifically swine, were also killed by the storm, generating a loss of P1.71 million.

The DA then assured that it will assist farmers in recovering from the destruction by providing rice, corn, and assorted vegetable seeds and drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry.

The agency said it would also roll out the Survival and Recovery Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council. Its available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation will be given to affected farmers for indemnification.

The DA will likewise provide a Quick Response Fund to rehabilitate affected areas.

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JPV/abc