TD Amang leaves P12.34-M worth of losses to agriculture sector — DA

Source: DOST / Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines — Former Tropical Depression Amang left damage amounting to P12.34 million, said the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday.

The first tropical cyclone of 2023, Amang hit parts of Luzon and Visayas with strong winds and rains.

According to the DA’s statement, at least 1,324 farmers and fisherfolk were affected by Amang, with 1,097 hectares of agricultural areas affected.

The production loss currently amounts to 664 metric tons, with rice being the majority of the crops that were affected.

Rice crops worth P8.07 million were damaged, as well as P4.15 million worth of high-value crops, which are assorted fruits and vegetables.

Lastly, P126,000 worth of livestock and poultry were lost, said the DA.

The DA said that there would be a quick response fund for affected areas but did not specify how much it would be.

The agency, however, said that it has a loan program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council, wherein farmers can loan up to P25,000, payable in three years with no interest.

Other interventions from the DA include the distribution of different seeds, drugs, and biologics for livestock and poultry, and fish fingerlings.

Amang has since weakened into a low-pressure area and is expected to dissipate within the next 24 hours, according to state meteorologists.

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