Early government advisories saved P32-billion crops: Dar

DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said that early warnings helped save P32 billion worth of rice, corn, fisheries, livestock and other high-value crops.

Due to government early advisories,prior to the landfall of the four recent typhoons in the country, farmers and fisherfolk were able to save P32 billion worth of agricultural produce or harvests, the DA said in an update.

During network press briefing with Communications Sec. Martin Andanar, DA Secretary William Dar however said they also recorded P11 billion loss in agricultural products.

To aid affected farmers and fisherfolk, Dar said they will be providing hybrid seeds to the farmers.

He said they also provided logistics support where DA will give 80 percent of the expenses needed to help market the produce and assist the farmers in the area, and 20 percent will be the farmers coop or associations’ equity.

DA also sent one truck so the farmers can easily go to Manila to sell their products.

For other concerns, Dar urges farmers’ coops to visit the DA regional office and coordinate with the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) in the region so the farmers can also sell their products to Kadiwa outlets in Manila.

Furthermore, farmers' registry will be updated to determine the farmers who will be recipients of DA programs, projects and services.

"Be assured na equal ang treatment kung saan may pinsala ng agrikultura, andiyan ang DA na tutulong,” Dar said.

Indemnification from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) will also be provided to each farmer of about P10,000-P15,000, according to Dar.

Dar also added that farmers will also provide the SURE Loan, which allows them to get loans with a maximum of P25,000 with zero interest and payable in 10 years.

"Malaki po ang imbentaryo natin dito sa bansa ang nawala o napinsala sa rice ay equivalent for a six-day consumption so mataas ang inventory natin, 98 days minus 6, mayroon pa rin tayong good for three months na imbentaryo,” Dar said.

Our fellowmen should have nothing to worry about because in spite of all these big challenges, big typhoons, we assure enough food for everyone, according to Dar. (Recthie Tolinero/PIA10)