Currimao:Farmers in Currimao town gathered at the Municipal Agriculture Office on Tuesday to file insurance claims for crops lost due to an ongoing drought. The prolonged dry spell has severely impacted agricultural production and threatened the livelihoods of local farmers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Erickson Biag, the municipal agriculturist of Currimao, reported that the town has already seen an estimated PHP5 million in damages, particularly affecting rice farmers in the villages of Comcomloong and Maglaoi Norte. Biag noted that the extent of the damage has reached 50 percent, largely due to limited water access.

The agricultural insurance available in Currimao has been a crucial support for farming communities, offering a financial safety net for those eligible farmers whose crops suffer losses under covered risks. This insurance is contingent on policy conditions and proper damage assessments.

In response to the drought, the municipal government continues to distribute agricultural inputs and machinery to bolster resilience. Additional strategies being promoted include water conservation, efficient irrigation, and appropriate crop diversification. Authorities are also guiding farmers in adopting climate-smart practices tailored to the local conditions.