Agri losses reach P12.8M

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — The flashfloods that hit five cities in northern Negros Occidental and two towns in the south early this week have caused agricultural losses estimated at P12.8 million.

Provincial Agriculturist Igmedio Tabianan, in a radio interview the other day, said more than 250 hectares of fishponds in Sagay City were destroyed at an estimated cost of P11 million.

The flooded ponds, owned by 26 operators, were growing milkfish, tilapia, and shrimp, he said.

Crops affected were mostly rice particularly in Cadiz City where 79 hectares of rice fields owned by 78 farmers were also submerged. Damage was estimated at P1.8 million so far, said Tabianan.  

Sagay and Cadiz were among the five cities in northern Negros hit by flashfloods Tuesday after two days of continuous rains.

Tabianan said personnel of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist have continued to conduct assessment of flood-hit plantations. “After that, we will know what kind of assistance or rehabilitation support we can provide to the farmers,” he said.

For fishpond owners, the provincial government usually extends food-for-work assistance wherein their workers who will repair the destroyed dikes will receive rice in exchange for their labor. Affected rice farmers may also receive planting materials, including seeds, Tabianan added. (FREEMAN)