Heavy Downpour Brings Massive Agricultural Losses in Negros Occidental
BACOLOD CITY — The recent heavy downpour and widespread flooding have severely impacted southern Negros Occidental, resulting in damages exceeding P55 million. The updated figures highlight the extensive toll on the province’s agriculture.
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) of the Negros Island Region reported that the rice industry bore the brunt of the losses. The damage to rice crops reached P37.4 million, affecting nearly 2,000 farmers working on 1,622 hectares.
Corn and High-Value Crops Suffer Significant Losses
Corn farmers also faced considerable setbacks. Damage estimates reached P13.8 million, impacting 331 farmers cultivating 202 hectares of cornfields. Meanwhile, high-value crops sustained losses amounting to P2.8 million, affecting 65 farmers on 21 hectares of land.
Livestock and poultry damage was recorded at P865,400, adding to the growing concerns among local farmers and authorities.
State of Calamity Declared to Support Affected Communities
In response to the crisis, the Negros Occidental provincial government declared a state of calamity on Friday. This move aims to provide immediate assistance to communities affected by the flooding and to stabilize prices of essential goods despite the heavy agricultural losses.
Authorities also plan to offer relief to sugarcane plantation owners, especially those whose farms have been infested by red-striped soft scale insects, worsening the situation.
Local officials emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to help farmers recover and to prevent further economic setbacks due to the natural disaster.
For more news and updates on heavy downpour impacts, visit Filipinokami.com.
