Reports in the Philippines are suggesting that early-season rains in parts of the Philippines could hit mango and onion harvests.
The country's Department of Agriculture is investigating the impact of the rain on the crops, according to agriculture assistant secretary Salvador Salacup.
'The early rains are not good, especially if you are in the middle of a harvest,' he said at a press conference. 'We have yet to find out whether the early rains had indeed damaged the harvest.'
He did confirm, however, that some mango growers have complained about stunted growth in their produce as a result of the inclement weather.
The country exported US$19.5m worth of mangoes in 2008, down 16 per cent on 2007, a drop attributed to unpredictable weather conditions.
