April 22, 2024

Drought devastates corn fields across Negros Occidental, Philippines

Recent data from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in Negros Occidental, Philippines, revealed that drought has ravaged approximately 3,241 hectares of corn and rice fields in 24 local government units (LGUs) across the province, Philippine News Agency reported.

As of Wednesday, a total of 4,431 farmers in 167 barangays have been affected, with reported crop damage amounting to PHP 173.576 million (US$3 million) from November 2023 to April 12, 2024.

Dina Genzola, officer-in-charge of OPA, confirmed the submission of an updated damage report to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who pledged cash assistance to the affected farmers.

Corn fields in five LGUs were affected, with total damages reaching PHP 4.737 million (US$82,000). Calatrava town recorded the highest damage, amounting to PHP 3.877 million (US$67,300), impacting 110 farmers across 13 barangays.

The municipalities of Don Salvador Benedicto, Murcia, Isabela, and Sipalay city also reported damage to their corn crops.

-      Philippine News Agency