• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Agricultural and fisheries damage in Negros Occidental due to the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon last Dec. 9 has reached P128.624 million, data of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) showed.
As of Jan. 6, at least 580.87 hectares of rice, corn and high-value crops in the municipality of La Castellana, cities of La Carlota and Bago were damaged, affecting 1,382 farmers.
High-value crops suffered most, with reported damage of P124.931 million; rice, P3.059 million; and corn, P503,352.50.
Total damage to fisheries was reported at P130,005.
All over Negros Island, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said the volcanic eruption has brought damage to crops amounting to P129.39 million.
Data from the DA operations center showed that rice, corn, high-value crops and livestock incurred most of the damage.
A total of 1,431 farmers were also displaced by the volcanic eruption.
Livestock and poultry incurred P900,100 in losses.
“Additional damage and losses are expected as assessment is ongoing in areas affected by Kanlaon’s continuous activity,” the DA said.
It added that at least 771 animal heads were evacuated in La Castellana and La Carlota City.
“Various forms of assistance, including agricultural inputs such as rice and corn seeds as well as drugs and biologics for livestock animals have been provided to farmers,” the DA said. | GB
