April 23, 2024

El Nino inflicts US$3.97 million in agricultural losses in Negros Oriental, Philippines

Agricultural losses in Negros Oriental, Philippines, resulting from El Nino, have surpassed PHP 229 million (US$3.97 million), according to the Philippines' Department of Agriculture-Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO), Philippine News Agency reported.

As of April 18, 2024, the value of production losses stood at PHP 229.881 million (US$3.97 million), encompassing damage to corn, rice, high-value crops such as fruits and vegetables, fisheries, livestock, and agricultural infrastructure across 13 towns and cities.

The affected areas include Mabinay, Bayawan city, Zamboanguita, Vallehermoso, Bais City, Dumaguete city, La Libertad, Tanjay, Manjuyod, Bindoy, Dauin, Tayasan, and Canlaon city.

Mabinay reported the highest losses, with over PHP 90.6 million (US$1.57 million) in high-value crops. Meanwhile, Zamboanguita recorded PHP 23.5 million (US$408,000) in damage to an irrigation system.

The total number of affected farmers and fisherfolk reached 5,193, with approximately 1,306 hectares deemed beyond recovery (totally damaged), while around 3,542 hectares, although partially damaged, still have the potential for recovery, according to the report.

The DA-PATCO expressed concerns that these figures may continue to escalate in the following weeks as not all local government units have submitted their reports yet.

-      Philippine News Agency