Damage to the agriculture sector attributed to a weather phenomenon known as the shear line has reached P78.14 million, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
This relates to a narrow zone where abrupt changes in wind direction and temperature result in thunderstorms.
The DA attached in an advisory released at 4 p.m. Tuesday said the weather phenomenon damaged 695 metric tons (MT) of farm goods tended by 6,375 farmers cultivating 8,275 hectares of land.
The agency said rice crop losses in 7,889 hectares amount to P71.34 million while high value crops worth P5.61 million in 310 hectares of land were similarly lost.
Corn damage was estimated at P1.18 million in Davao and Caraga.
The DA said its regional field offices are assessing the impact of the shear line and determine the needs and available resources that may be used as intervention to support farmers.
Thus far, some P18.50 million worth of rice, corn and assorted vegetable seeds have been provided even as a quick response fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas is being prepared.
