MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The damage brought by the effects of the El Ni帽o phenomenon on the country鈥檚 agriculture sector has reached P941.7 million, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Thursday.
In its latest situational report, the NDRRMC revealed that the damage from El Ni帽o increased from P865.16 million recorded on Wednesday to P941.7 million.
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It added that the number of affected farmers nationwide likewise climbed from 15,341 to 16,709. The dry spell also hit about 14,854.86 hectares of agricultural areas dedicated to rice, corn, high-value crops, and livestock.
Aside from the commodities, about 142 people or 30 families were affected by El Ni帽o.
READ: Drought may hit 30 areas in March due to El Ni帽o 鈥� Pagasa
To aid the farmers and their families, the government has so far distributed P362,564,850 worth of agricultural assistance.
The Department of Agriculture also adopted an alternate wetting-and-drying method that has reduced water consumption in rice fields, among others.