The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Thursday that the El Niño phenomenon has damaged P941.7 million in the Philippines’ agricultural sector.

According to the latest situation report, an increase from P865.16 million, which was recorded on Wednesday, has already reached P941.7 million, adding that the total number of affected farmers nationwide climbed from 15,341 to livestock.

Moreover, about 14,854.86 hectares of agricultural areas are dedicated to rice, corn, high-value crops, and livestock due to the dry spell.

Almost 142 people, or equivalently, 30 families, were affected by the El Niño.

The cash assistance for the farmers and their families has been distributed for P362,564 worth of agricultural packages.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture embraced the alternate wetting- method.

The DA adopted an alternate wetting-and-drying system, among others.