TYPHOON DAMAGES TO CROPS AND IRRIGATION INFRASTRUCTURES IN CORDILLERA REACH P152.452 MILLION

August 5, 2023 Provincial

NIA-CAR needs P272-million to restore irrigation systems

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet

The National Irrigation AdministrationCordillera (NIA-CAR) reported P152.452 million partial typhoon damages to crops and irrigation systems caused by Typhoon Egay. A total 6,592 farmers across the region were affected, farmers in Ifugao (1,977) and Apayao (1,923) topped the list, cultivating 6,286 hectares of agricultural land. On a national scope, NIA Central Office reported P3.520- billion partial typhoon damages to crops and irrigation infrastructures brought about by the said typhoon.

A total of 69,432 farmers were affected, cultivating 43,875.55 hectares of agricultural land nationwide. In the Cordillera Region, damaged to crops P26.102 million to include riceproducing Apayao which had the highest toll – estimated cost of damaged crops at P23.264 million followed by
Abra (P1.595m) while Benguet (P1.115m). Estimated cost of damages on irrigation facilities – Benguet topped the list with (P30m), Kalinga (P26m), Apayao (P25.7m), Abra (P22.6m),Ifugao
(P15m), and Mt. Province (P7.050m) for a total of P126.350 million.

According to NIA-CAR, as of July 15 prior to Typhoon Egay, the following are the standing crops per province (total planted area) in hectares: Abra 2,013.09; Apayao 5,080; Benguet 4,094; Ifugao 3,360.50; Kalinga 1,479; and Mt.Province 1,635.52 for a total 17,662.51. Some of NIA-CAR’s actions–provide pumps and pipes to save standing crops; assist irrigator associations (IAS) and farmers in documentation and processing of request for assistance from concerned agencies; utilize savings/current fund for immediate repair of damaged facilities, among others.

Primo Agatep/ABN