THE Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and Tropical Cyclone “Crising” have caused nearly P97 million in agricultural damage while also disrupting the transport of food commodities in several regions.
According to DA Bulletin No. 06, issued yesterday, the rice sector suffered the heaviest blow, with palay (unmilled rice) losses reaching 2,178 metric tons across 5,997 hectares of farm plots.
The value of the destroyed palay crop was estimated at P94.41 million, accounting for 97.17 percent of total agricultural loss-es.
Corn sustained damage over 33 hectares, with 22 metric tons lost valued at P690,140, while 7 hectares of high-value crops such as vegetables and fruits were also affected, resulting in a loss of 36 metric tons worth P1.73 million. Damage to livestock and poultry was estimated at P320,750.
In total, the twin weather disturbances affected 4,665 farmers and fisherfolk and damaged 6,037 hectares of land.
Of this, 4,967 hectares, or 82 percent, still have a chance of recovery, while 1,070 hectares may be beyond salvage.
Volume losses across all commodities reached 2,236 metric tons.
The DA also reported that logistical disruptions caused by the damage to infrastructure and roads may delay food supply flows from affected farms to markets, exacerbating the impact on rural livelihoods and local food availability.
