MANILA, Philippines — The damage brought by the effects of the El Niño phenomenon on the country’s agriculture sector has reached P941.7 million, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Thursday.
In its latest situational report, the NDRRMC revealed that the damage from El Niño increased from P865.16 million recorded on Wednesday to P941.7 million.
READ: El Niño feared stifling PH agri output in 2024
It added that the number of affected farmers nationwide likewise climbed from 15,341 to 16,709. The dry spell also hit about 14,854.86 hectares of agricultural areas dedicated to rice, corn, high-value crops, and livestock.
Aside from the commodities, about 142 people or 30 families were affected by El Niño.
READ: Drought may hit 30 areas in March due to El Niño – Pagasa
To aid the farmers and their families, the government has so far distributed P362,564,850 worth of agricultural assistance.
The Department of Agriculture also adopted an alternate wetting-and-drying method that has reduced water consumption in rice fields, among others.