Damage to Philippine agri caused by Odette pegged at P333.4 million

Damages to agriculture brought about by Super Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) has increased by P157 million, according to data released by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Latest data from the DA show that damage and losses estimate damages at P333.4 million as of 11 a.m. on Monday, December 20, up from P176.4 million on Sunday afternoon, December 19.

The figure includes 19,640 metric tons (MT) and 23,198 hectares of agricultural areas, affecting 12,750 farmers in Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Central Mindanao, Davao, and Caraga.

Affected commodities include rice, corn, high value crops and fisheries, with the figures still subject to validation.

“The DA continuously coordinates with concerns NGAs, LGUs, and other DRRM-related offices for the impact of Odette, as well as available resources for interventions and assistance,” the DA said.

The DA said it will also provide at least P1.35-billion worth of assistance to farmers and fishers affected, including P1 billion of quick response fund, P148 million in rice seeds, P100 million under the Survival and Recovery Assistance Program, P1.64 million of fingerlings and assistance to fisherfolk, P625,150 worth of drugs and biologics, and available funds from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp.

Odette left the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday afternoon, after causing “total devastation” in areas under its path. —NB, GMA News