DRY SPELL. A dried-up rice farm in southern Negros Occidental in this undated photo. On Wednesday (Feb. 7, 2024), Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the provincial government would provide assistance to qualified rice farmers affected by the dry spell. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist)
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental’s provincial government plans to provide aid to rice farmers from seven local governments affected by the dry spell, with crop damage and losses rising to about PHP12.8 million as of this week.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, in a media interview Wednesday, said he has instructed Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II to source funds that can be used to extend assistance to the rice farmers.
“He said there is (available funds). We will sit down with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) to set the parameters on who is qualified to receive assistance,” he said.
On Tuesday, the OPA reported PHP12.8 million worth of agricultural damage and losses incurred by 373 rice farmers with 346 hectares of rice lands in 36 villages in upland areas.
The affected rice plants are either in the vegetative stage or ready for harvest.
The affected areas include the cities of Himamaylan and Sipalay, as well as the municipalities of Isabela, Binalbagan, Hinobaan, Moises Padilla, and Cauayan.
Acting provincial agriculturist Dina Genzola said they have not monitored rainfall in the southern cities and municipalities although heavy, moderate, and light rains have been experienced in areas of some 20 other LGUs. (PNA)
