As much as 632,706 hectares of rice and corn crops may be damaged by tropical depression Amang, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
In a bulletin the DA issued 12 noon Wednesday 602,728 hectares across the Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol and Eastern Visayas pertain to rice fields and 29,978 hectares are for corn.
Data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA show the weather disturbance over the Camarines provinces, Lamon Bay and mainland Quezon province, and possibly even over Polillo Islands.
However, the tropical depression is forecast to weaken into a low-pressure area by today (Apr 13) due to the combined effects of land interaction, dry air intrusion and increasing vertical wind shear.
The DA has prepositioned seeds for rice and corn, drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry in safe storage facilities; coordinated with local government units; disseminating information and monitoring actual field situation for possible damage that may be incurred in crops and livestock, among others.
The available interventions for distribution to affected farmers and fishers include rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds; drugs and biologics for livestock and poultry; fingerlings and assistance to affected fisherfolk; survival and recovery loan program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council with loanable amount of up to P25,000 payable in three years at zero interest; and quick response fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas.
