August 6, 2024

 

Armyworm infestation causes US$645,000 damage to cornfields in Negros Occidental, Philippines

An armyworm infestation has caused significant damage to cornfields across 11 local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental, Philippines, with losses amounting to PHP 37.32 million (US$645,000) as of July 30, 2024, Philippine News Agency reported.

 

This data was released by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).

 

According to consolidated data, the infestation has affected 2,504.6 hectares of corn farms owned by 3,961 farmers in 77 villages. San Carlos city reported the highest level of damage, with losses reaching PHP 9.465 million (US$163,000), impacting 663.38 hectares farmed by 852 farmers across nine villages.

 

In neighbouring Calatrava town, the damage amounted to PHP7.084 million (US$122,000), affecting 334.72 hectares farmed by 384 farmers in 13 barangays. La Castellana experienced damage worth PHP 4.439 million (US$76,700), impacting 155.54 hectares farmed by 358 farmers in seven barangays. Himamaylan city reported losses of PHP 3.772 million (US$65,100), affecting 243.18 hectares farmed by 449 farmers in 11 barangays.

 

Other affected LGUs include Moises Padilla, with losses of PHP 3.556 million (US$61,400) over 236.65 hectares farmed by 278 farmers in five barangays, and Isabela, with PHP 3.291 million (US$56,800) in damage across 353.92 hectares farmed by 685 farmers in 10 barangays. Murcia faced losses of PHP 3.211 million (US$55,400), impacting 264.40 hectares farmed by 556 farmers in seven barangays, while Don Salvador Benedicto reported damage worth PHP 1.6 million (US$27,600) over 171 hectares farmed by 271 farmers in six barangays.

 

Three other localities reported damage valued below PHP 1 million (US$17,200): Hinoba-an, Ilog, and Sipalay city.

 

Fifth District Representative Emilio Bernardino Yulo, whose jurisdiction includes Himamaylan city, La Castellana, Moises Padilla, and Isabela, noted that the infestation has subsided in some areas, particularly in two villages in Himamaylan, where the issue was first reported in June.

 

"We are okay using the recommended chemicals. We have not received reports that it has spread further," Yulo stated.

 

Last month, Yulo facilitated a visit by experts from the National Crop Protection Centre of the University of the Philippines-Los Banos, Laguna, to conduct field checks and assessments of the affected areas, including sugarcane plantations.

 

-      Philippine News Agency