‘Pablo’ agri damage: P10.3-B

MANILA, Philippines – The cost of damage to agricultural products and facilities brough about by typhoon Pablo has climbed to P10.3 billion as of Monday, December 10, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). 

Data from DA show that production losses amounted to P9.11 billion, or 72,081 metric tons (MT), while damage to farm facilities, equipment and infrastructure amounted to P1.19 billion. 

The banana industry suffered the largest production loss — P6.43 billion or the equivalent of 71,644 MT. 

Large losses are also noted in corn production — P955.33 million or the equivalent of 54,536 MT. 

Other production losses are as follows:

• Coconut – P766.82 million
• Livestock – P409.84 million
• Rice – P407.39 million or 16,588 MT
• High value crops – P87.2 million or 957 MT
• Fisheries – P28.71 million
• National Food Authority (NFA) stock – P19.73 million.

In terms of damage to facilities, equipment and infrastructure, the DA said the bulk is in irrigation which is worth P1.19 billion. This is followed by damages to the fisheries sector which reached P24.6 million, and damages to other farm-related facilities at P1.2 million. – Rappler.com