Super Typhoon Lawin leaves P4.7B agri damage in Isabela

CAGAYAN, Philippines – Super Typhoon Lawin (Haima) has left over P4.7 billion worth of damage to agriculture in Isabela, according to the Provincial Agricultural Office (PAO).

In their latest data submitted to Governor Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Isabela provincial agriculturist Danny Tumamao said rice crops suffered the most with recorded P2.7 billion worth of damage.

Banana plantations, meanwhile, had losses worth P1.5 billion ; vegetable crops at P317 million; corn crops at P99 million; mango plantations at P68 million; and fisheries at P8 million.

The province has been placed earlier under state of calamity due to widespread damages caused by Lawin.

Tumamao said Lawin’s damage to agriculture was the worst record so far for the province, and noted that affected banana farmers may not be able to harvest in one year.

Meanwhile, the Isabela government, according to Tumamao, will release a fund for the purchase of 60,000 bags of seeds as immediate assistance to farmers. – Rappler.com