The Department of Agriculture (DA) has recorded around  â‚±241.89 million in damage on the agricultural sector as a result of typhoon "Nika" onslaught. 

The estimate released on Friday, Nov. 15, covers the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon where a total of 10,523 farmers were also reported to have been affected. 

Based on the DA report, "Nika" devastated 11,607 hectares of agricultural land and caused production losses amounting to 8,217 metric tons.

The breakdown showed that 5,946 metric tons of high-value crops were lost, while palay (unmilled rice) and corn were at 2,209 and 62 metric tons, respectively.

To help affected farmers, the agency said it has allocated ₱84.88 million worth of agricultural inputs, including seeds for rice, corn, and vegetables, as well as supplies for livestock and poultry.

The DA noted that rice stocks from the National Food Authority are being distributed as relief by local government units, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and other agencies.

As such, the agricultural department said financial assistance was made available, with loans of up to ₱25,000 under the zero-interest Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program, payable within three years.

Insured farmers will receive indemnities through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), the DA said.

Meanwhile, the department said the Quick Response Fund has been activated to aid in the rehabilitation of affected infrastructure and agricultural areas.

The DA said their price monitoring efforts have been intensified to identify potential fluctuations in the market for key agricultural products, while logistical assistance for transporting commodities is being provided through KADIWA trucks.