Negros Occidental incurs P28M agri losses due to dry spell

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – The damage in agricultural crops and livestock due to the continuing dry spell in Negros Occidental was pegged at P28 million, a report of the provincial agriculturist and provincial veterinarian showed.

Provincial agriculturist Igmedio Tabianan said that the P18.02 million worth of damage to rice crops, covering 423.34 hectares, affected 395 farmers in San Carlos City and the towns of Hinigaran, Hinobaan, and Candoni. 

Of the P18 million in losses, P12 million will be covered by crop insurance, said Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. 

Tabianan said more than 10,000 farmers in the province can avail themselves of crop. The assistance will be distributed to them on April 18.

Provincial veterinarian Renante Decena said the drought resulted to an estimated P10 million in losses in farm animals and pasture development.

He said the drought caused slow hatchability of fighting cocks, low animal production, and duck migration to areas where there are rivers.

Meanwhile, Tabianan said that the provincial government is ready to undertake cloud seeding operations should the Department of Agriculture approve the request of Marañon and the Sugar Regulatory Administration.  

He said that cloud seeding operations could help farmers prepare their areas in the next cropping.

The provincial government has allocated P4 million for its counterpart in the cloud seeding operation. – Rappler.com 

Image of farmer planting in parched land from Shutterstock