Carina, monsoon agri damage soars to P4.72 billion

MANILA, Philippines —  The amount of damage caused by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina to agriculture and fishery in 12 regions has reached P4.72 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Data from the DA’s operations center showed that Carina and the monsoon destroyed 82,824 hectares of agricultural areas in the Cordilleras, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western and Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula, Soccsksargen and Caraga.

Up to 69,690 tons of agricultural produce were lost to the bad weather that also displaced up to 137,999 farmers, the DA said.

Up to 35 percent of the country’s irrigation facilities amounting to P1.64 billion were destroyed by floodwaters.

Meanwhile, damage to palay production was placed at P1.08 billion covering 67,432 hectares of rice fields.

The amount of damage to the fishery sector reached P783.96 million, while to high value crops was estimated at P691.62 million covering 4,318 hectares of farm lands.

Corn damage reached P496.45 million covering 11,009 hectares of corn fields, while livestock and poultry incurred P38.26 million in losses.

The bad weather destroyed P44.4 million worth of agricultural infrastructures as well as machinery and equipment with P4.01 million.

“The DA, through its regional field offices and in collaboration with affected local government units, is validating and assessing the impact of the combined effects of the monsoon and Carina to agriculture and fishery. Efforts are being undertaken to provide assistance and appropriate interventions to affected farmers and fisherfolk,” the agency said.