By agrimag
Taal volcano is still at Alert Level 4. In some areas of Batangas City, formation of new cracks were observed.
In its previous report, a total of P74.55 million worth of damage was recorded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) CALABARZON. Now, damage to agriculture has increased up to P577.59 Million, affecting 2,772 hectares and 1,967 animals. Crops like corn, cacao, coffee, rice, bananas and other high-value crops were likewise affected.
According to the Bureau of Soil andWater Management (BSWM), volcanic eruptions contribute to the “birth of soil,” wherein it replenishes the nutrients; enhancing the fertility of the soil in the medium to long term.
The Bureau will conduct examinations like soil sampling, analysis, and mapping of fresh volcanic ash deposits impacting agricultural areas. Water resources will also be surveyed and mapped.
DA CALABARZON will distribute a total of P21.7 million worth of combined interventions for crops and livestock to Local Government Units (LGUs) including Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Talisay, Lemery, Laurel, Lipa City, San Jose, Nasugbu, Mataas na Kahoy, Balete, Cuenca, Alitagtag, Padre Garcia, Tanauan City, Malvar and Taal.
The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) will donate to damaged coffee and cacao areas, a total of coffee 5000 mother plants and 1000 cacao seedlings.
Moreover, the National Food Authority (NFA) has 168,758 bags of rice as their initial stock, ready to be distributed to the affected areas of Taal Volcano eruption. Judy Dansal, Administrator of NFA assures that the stocks are safe to eat because they are stored in a warehouse away from ashfall.
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