Typhoon damage to Philippine farm sector hits $275m

MANILA - Damage caused by typhoon "Haiyan," locally named "Yolanda," to the Philippine farm sector could climb to 12 billion pesos ($275.37 million), an official of the Department of Agriculture said on Monday.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Edilberto De Luna said the Philippine government has yet to account for all farm infrastructure such as irrigation facilities and warehouses damaged by the typhoon.

As of November 14, the agriculture department estimated that the typhoon has destroyed crops and farm infrastructure amounting to 9.09 billion pesos ($208.57).

He said coconut-growing and rice-growing areas in central Philippines were badly hit by the typhoon.

De Luna said the department would need 4.74 billion pesos ($108. 81 million) to rehabilitate farmlands ravaged by the typhoon and provide seeds and equipment to farmers.

He said the government would encourage farmers to plant submergent-tolerant rice varieties and other alternative crops.