The dry spell damage to rice crops in Negros Occidental has risen to P14,474,887, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said Wednesday, February 14.
This has affected 383 farmers tilling 369 hectares in 43 barangays in seven local government units, he said.
Cauayan was the worst hit with P7,699,980 in damage followed by Hinoba-an – P2,525, 595, Himamaylan City – P2,414,586, Sipalay City – 535,658 Binalbagan – P513,360, Moises Padilla – P450,897, and Isabela – P334,800.
“We should be fortunate if the increment increase is just small,” he said.
The governor said he spoke to Department of Agriculture regional director for Western Visayas, Dennis Arpia, and he assured that he will be consulting with his team on cloud seeding in Negros Occidental.
“He will get back to me after consulting with his team with regards to cloud seeding. Hopefully we can hear some good news next week,” Lacson said.
Previously the DA provided the plane and the province may provide the manpower and the materials, Lacson said.
“We will have to take advantage of the clouds that are present (for cloud seeding)”, Lacson said.
Meanwhile, the provincial government will be using its savings to assist dry spell affected farmers as soon as a policy is set on who are entitled to receive aid, he added.*