The Department of Agriculture (DA) reports that the damage caused by the El Niño phenomenon to the agriculture sector has reached P1.75 billion as of March 14.
Eight regions, including Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon, have been significantly affected by the dry spell.
Mimaropa incurred the highest damage at P770 million, followed by Western Visayas at P564 million, and Cagayan Valley at P180 million.
The El Niño has damaged 32,231 hectares of land, impacting the livelihoods of 29,437 farmers.
The production loss includes 48,332 metric tonnes of rice, 18,966 metric tonnes of corn, and 7,794 metric tonnes of high-value crops.
The DA has provided assistance totaling P379 million to affected farmers. While the possibility of further damage remains, DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa notes that the damage peak may have already been reached as the El Niño phenomenon is waning.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 19, 2024
