The Department of Agriculture (DA) is taking proactive measures to assist farmers and fishers in preparation for the impact of Tropical Storm Aghon.
The DA has also started gathering information on agricultural areas at risk through situation reports from DA regional field offices (RFOs).
The DA will also maintain close coordination with DOST-PAGASA to monitor the storm’s path and intensity, and collaborate with national and regional disaster risk reduction management (DRRM) offices, along with local government units, to prepare for the storm’s impact
The DA is urging farmers and fishers to take precautionary measures. Farmers were advised to harvest mature crops as soon as possible, utilize available post-harvest facilities for storage to minimize crop loss, and secure seeds, planting materials, other farm inputs, animal feed, and water for livestock to ensure farming activities can resume quickly after the storm.
Moreover, the DA urged farmers to move animals, farm machinery, and equipment to higher ground to avoid floodwaters and minimize damage. Relocated animals have sufficient food and water to prevent additional stress during the storm, the DA added.
The Department, likewise, engaged agriculture stakeholders to clear drainage canals and rice paddies of any obstructions to prevent flooding and protect crops from waterlogging.
On the other hand, fishers were advised to conduct early harvest of fish to minimize post-storm losses and mobilize post-harvest equipment and facilities for processing and storage.
The DA reminded fishermen to secure fishing vessels in safe harbors or higher ground to protect them from strong winds and rough seas, and refrain from venturing out to the seas due to potentially rough sea conditions that could endanger lives and damage boats.
The DA DRRM Operations Center will continue to provide updates on the situation as Tropical Depression Agathon develops.
In its latest storm update, PAGASA maintains a forecast of wind strength at 62 kph up to 88 kph in the next 24 hours accompanied by heavy rainfall.
Tropical storm Aghon will gradually accelerate northwestward while intensifying until it exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday.