Manila, July 8 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said rainfall will be beneficial for agricultural fields and major dams in watershed areas amid the El Nino phenomenon.

The DA made the remark as Super Typhoon Inday (international name Bavi) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Though expected to bring heavy rains in select parts of the country, alongside the effects of the southwest monsoon, Inday is not expected to make landfall.

At a press briefing, Agriculture spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said this will be helpful as palay (unhusked rice) is now in early vegetative or maturing stages.

"Kung 'yung labas na band ng bagyo ay magbabagsak ng ulan (If the outer band of the super typhoon will ...