NO CHANCE OF RECOVERY. Some farmlands in Negros Oriental were reported to have been totally damaged by the El Niño phenomenon. The Department of Agriculture has reported that more than 3,000 farmers and over PHP2 billion in crops and other agricultural commodities were damaged by the El Niño. (PNA file photo courtesy of DA-PATCO)
DUMAGUETE CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Provincial Agriculture and Technology and Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO) in Negros Oriental has incurred over PHP2.4 billion in agricultural losses due to the El Niño, an official said Monday.
Alejandro Rafal, DA-PATCO Negros Oriental chief, said the office is validating the final report on the impact of the phenomenon in the province before sending it to the central office.
“The report includes damage to rice, corn, and high-value crops like vegetables, fruits, and coconuts, fisheries, and livestock, and other commodities,” Rafal said.
Over 3,000 farmers and fishermen were affected.
With the onset of the rainy season which the state weather bureau officially said started last week, Rafal said they are now preparing for the start of the first cropping season this year.
Those affected by El Niño are awaiting further government assistance to help them recoup their losses.
Meanwhile, the provincial government has already started distributing rice and corn seeds, fertilizers and some farm implements to affected farmers. (PNA)
