March 3, 2010
Philippine drought crop damages reach more than US$240 million as of March 1
Crop damages in the Philippines due to ongoing drought has already reached PHP11.19 billion (US$243.02 million) as of March 1 from the PHP7.02 billion (US$152.06 million) reported as of Feb. 22, according to the latest report prepared by the Department of Agriculture's Central Action Center (DACAC).
The DA has earlier projected that the drought would result in crop damages worth to PHP20 billion (US$434.35 million).
Damage to corn crops has reached PHP6 billion (US$130.30 million), while palay or paddy rice damage is now at PHP5.08 billion (US$108.76 million).
Damage to high-value commercial crops (HVCC) is at a more manageable PHP115 million (US$2.49 million).
DACAC also reported some damage to the fisheries sector amounting to PHP943,440 (US$20,849.52).
Ifugao's corn damage has reached to PHP1.1 billlion (US$23.88 million).
Damage to rice/palay crops amounts to 298,852 tonnes, while affected corn crops amount to 460,848 tonnes.
Two weeks ago, Agriculture Undersecretary Joel Rudinas reported that crop damage was at PHP3.77 billion (US$81.87 million), still within out the target. Rudinas is currently in Isabela and could not be reached for comment on the latest figures.
The brunt of the drought being brought about by the El Nino phenomenon is being experienced by provinces in Luzon and the Visayas.
Damage to corn crops is of particular concern to hog and poultry growers who rely on the grains as a major raw material for animal feeds.
