Initial agri damage due to Enteng estimated at P350.85 million – DA

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The country’s farm losses due to Tropical Storm Enteng (international name: Yagi) is pegged at P350.85 million, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

In its bulletin issued on Wednesday, the DA said the weather disturbance affected 13,623 farmers and fishers, based on its initial assessment of regional field offices, particularly in Bicol.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Tropical Storm Enteng

The volume of production loss was estimated at 14,814 metric tons spanning 8,893 hectares.

Rice was mostly affected by Enteng, sustaining P333.08 million in damage.

Corn (P14.01 million) and high-value crops (P3.76 million) incurred losses as well.

“Best possible efforts are being undertaken to carry out assistance and appropriate interventions to the affected farmers,” the DA said.

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The agency will provide P202.86 million worth of seeds, bio-control measures and farm tools through its regional offices.

Those affected may secure funding from the Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) with loanable amounts of up to P25,000 per farmer payable in three years at zero interest.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) is prepared to indemnify insured affected farmers.