THE damage caused by tropical cyclone Tino to the local farm sector has nearly reached P1 billion, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
In its latest bulletin, the DA noted that the losses incurred by 49,927 farmers and fisherfolk have reached P968.16 million. Around 17,886 hectares of agricultural land were affected by the storm. Of these, 12,490 hectares have a chance to recover.
The agency noted that the volume of production losses across eight regions was pegged at 37,741 metric tons (MT). The regions included were Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western, Eastern and Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.
Rice bore the brunt of the damage at 18,558 MT. This was followed by high-value crops (11,496 MT), corn (7,248 MT), and cassava (440 MT).
Furthermore, 1,060 hectares (ha) of coconut plantation were damaged, while 18,345 animals were affected by the typhoon. This included chicken, swine, cattle, carabao, goat, duck, turkey, and guinea fowl.
Despite this, the bulk of the value of production losses was recorded in HVC at P393.29 million. Rice trailed behind at P336 million for rice, followed by corn at P143.76 million.
Furthermore, livestock and poultry incurred losses amounting to P29.53 million, fisheries and aquatic resources at P17.93 million, cassava at P10.42 million, and coconut at P8.14 million.
Damages to farm equipment, agriculture infrastructure, and irrigation systems were valued at P23.15 million, P5.43 million, and P500,000, respectively.
According to the agency, it has issued several assistance to assist farmers and fisherfolk affected by typhoon Tino.
Among these were the P422.8 million worth of farm inputs for rice, corn, and high-value crops; P1.51 million worth of bangus, tilapia, and carp fingerlings; and P66,990 worth of animal feeds and supplements for livestock and poultry.
The DA added that 2.57 million bags of rice stocks from the National Food Authority (NFA) for issuance to local governments and other relief agencies were also available.
Furthermore, the DA earmarked an initial amount of P22 million for the Survival and Recovery loan program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), offering loans of up to P25,000. These loans come with a three-year repayment term, interest-free.
It also said that it allocated P142.31 million for the indemnification of insured affected farmers and fisherfolk, which would be released through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC).