The Department of Agriculture (DA) recorded an estimated P151.3 million losses in rice and corn in Western Visayas and the Zamboanga Peninsula due to the El Niño.
In its latest bulletin posted on Thursday, February 9, DA reported that 3,923 affected farmers lost 6,618 metric tons of rice and corn in 3,291 hectares of land.
The agriculture department said 93.36% of the volume loss were rice while 6.64% were corn.
“Most of the damage and losses were incurred on rice and corn that are on their reproductive stage,” it noted.
Of the 3,921 land hectares affected, 91.51 percent reportedly has a chance of recovery while 8.48 percent has no chance to recover.
DA said it is set to provide 5,130 vegetable seed bags worth P999,000 to affected farmers in Western Visayas, and high-value crops to Zamboanga Peninsula farmers.
It added that affected farmers would be endorsed to concerned government agencies for financial support and other forms of assistance.
PAGASA Administrator Nathaniel Servando earlier told DZRH that their forecast showed that El Niño's peak will be felt this month, adding that this may significantly strengthen by April.
