• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The value of the damage to rice and corn crops, brought about by the drought due to the El Niño weather phenomenon in Negros Occidental, has further increased to P87,477,548.33, as of March 13, with 1,951.80 hectares affected in 99 barangays of 15 local government units in the province.
Also affected were 2,220 farmers, according to a report of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, however, said the Department of Agriculture is not keen on recommending the conduct of cloud seeding operations for affected areas in southern Negros, which was badly hit by the drought, according to an unsigned report.
It was stated in the unofficial report that cloud seeding operations may damage 20,000 mango trees in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, and 5,000 more mango trees in Guimaras, he added.
The drought has also caused water shortages in 11 of the 19 barangays in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, affecting 18,507 families, composed of 30,825 individuals.
Kabankalan City is the hardest hit, with damage to rice land valued at P41,910,361.20, and the most affected farmers at 1,214 rice farmers, while Cauayan has the most affected barangays at 17 villages.
In terms of corn crops, Sipalay City reported damage worth P243,456.40 ,while Murcia recorded P199,348.40.*
