MANILA: In anticipation of Tropical Storm Kristine, also known internationally as Trami, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has reported that 60 to 70 percent of farmers in high-risk regions have completed their harvests early. These areas, spanning nine regions, are vulnerable to potential storm damage.
According to Philippines News Agency, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa confirmed these figures in a phone interview, noting that early harvesting was crucial as approximately 1.3 million hectares of rice and corn in regions such as the Cordillera, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, and others are at risk. He attributed the early harvests to directives from Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., aligning with the current harvest season. However, de Mesa also highlighted that about 15 percent of crops might still be at risk, particularly those in second or third cropping phases.
De Mesa expressed hope that significant portions of the harvest were secured before Kristine’s landfall, though he acknowledged the challenges
in harvesting all crops due to some areas being in early planting stages. Despite potential disruptions, de Mesa assured the public of a stable rice stock inventory, supported by incoming rice imports.
For vegetable supplies, de Mesa suggested that unaffected regions like Mindanao and Western Visayas could serve as alternative sources. He emphasized that the DA has prepositioned aid for affected farmers, including the distribution of seedlings, farm inputs, quick response funds, indemnification funds, and credit options. Continuous monitoring, validation, and assessment efforts are in place to address the impact of the storm on agricultural areas.