AGRI DAMAGE. The Department of Agriculture-Cagayan Valley has pledged to subsidize seeds, fertilizers and other farm inputs for Typhoon Karding victims in the region. The agency placed at PHP23.63 million the amount of damage brought by "Karding" to agricultural crops in Region 2 such as this farm in Maddela, Quirino province. (File photo by Villamor Visaya Jr.)
TUGUEGARAO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Cagayan Valley (DA-2) has pledged to subsidize seeds, fertilizers, and other farm inputs for those who were heavily affected by the onslaught of Super Typhoon Karding.
The assurance came after DA-2 placed at PHP23.63 million the damage to agricultural crops caused by "Karding" in the region, Regional Executive Director Narciso Edillo told the media on Tuesday.
Edillo said Region 2 was mostly spared from the typhoon's fury except for Nueva Vizcaya, and the southern part of Isabela and Quirino provinces, which suffered damage to crops.
"We will definitely distribute seeds and fertilizers to help typhoon-affected farmers," Edillo said.
Initial reports showed 1,413 hectares of palay were damaged in the amount of PHP6.95 million, affecting 1,332 farmers. The rice plants were mostly under reproductive and maturity stages in southern Isabela, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya.
Corn plants, on the other hand, suffered PHP2.54 million in damage, mostly in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.
Also damaged were high-value crops like lowland and highland vegetables in Nueva Vizcaya worth PHP14.1 million.
Due to the vegetable damage, the supply would likely be affected, Edillo said. (PNA)
