DA: Vegetable prices up due to Aghon but supply sufficient

The Department of Agriculture (DA) warned that prices of some vegetables may increase but assured there is sufficient supply in spite of the effects of Typhoon Aghon.

According to DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said Calabarzon is known for its produce of lowland vegetables which may have been affected by the typhoon.

"Kaunti lang naman affected. Kaya yan i-supplement and malapit  na source ng lowland vegetables natin ito from Central Luzon at itong Cagayan Valley."

(Only a small area was affected. It could be supplemented from sources in Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley.)

De mesa assured there is enough supply of vegetables for local markets.

"Wala tayong problema sa sufficiency ng ating gulay," he said.

Initial reports from the DA show that damage to agriculture was estimated  at nearly P11.8 million. Rice and corn registered damage amounting to P10.6 million while high value crops damage was posted at P1.15-M.

In terms of regions, Calabarzon recorded the biggest damage so far with Laguna at P5 million while Quezon sustained P4.5 million losses.

The DA said it has yet to receive reports from Biocol and Eastern Visayas.—RF, GMA Integrated News