The damages and losses in agriculture in several regions affected by Super Typhoon Karding were estimated at Php 141.38 million so far, according to the initial assessment of the Department of Agriculture (DA) released on Monday, Sept. 26.

In its 12 pm bulletin, the DA said 16,229 hectares of agricultural areas in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON were affected.

There were about 5,886 metric tons (MT) of production loss, affecting 740 farmers.

Rice crops are the most affected commodity with 5,877 MT volume loss amounting to Php 107.6 million.

It was followed by high-value crops or assorted vegetables with 760 MT volume loss equivalent to a total of Php 24.55 million.

Meanwhile, corn has a 10 MT volume loss, costing Php 9.22 million.

“The DA continuously coordinates with concerned NGAs [national government agencies], LGUs [local government units] and other DRRM-related offices for the impact of "KARDING", as well as available resources for interventions and assistance,” it said.

The agriculture department vowed to extend assistance to affected regions by providing farmers with 133,240 bags of rice seeds, 5,729 bags of corn seeds, and 4,911 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds.

The usual aid like drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry will be given to farmers and fingerlings and assistance to fisherfolks from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Financial assistance through Survival and Recovery (SURE) program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and Php 500 million worth of Quick Response Fund (QRF) for the rehabilitation of affected areas will also be provided.