Fall armyworms damage to corn crops in 18 towns and cities in Negros Occidental has hit P50.2 million, OIC Provincial Agriculturist Dina Genzola said.
Genzola, in her report to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Monday, August 12, said this has affected 5,256 farmers tilling 3,377.61 hectares of corn fields.
San Carlos City was the hardest hit with damage at P9,465,575 followed by Calatrava at P9,172,912.50, Moises Padilla – P6,648,066, La Castellana – P4,439,477.75, Himamaylan City – P3,772,613, Isabela – P3,291,740, Murcia – P3,211,317.53;
Cauayan – P2,765,182, Toboso – P2,560,119, Don Salvador Benedicto – P2,353,633.75, Kabankalan City – P736,807.50, Bago City – P713,485.55, Hinoba-an – P522,960, Ilog – P236,687.50, Sipalay – P179,933.13, Sagay City – P96,405, Cadiz City – P67,550 and Hinigaran – P4,000.
The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) has activated Bantay Peste Brigades to assist in reporting pest infestation to prevent the spread of fall armyworms, Genzola’s report said.
The OPA has also distributed pesticides, conducted spraying activities, and information campaigns and seminars against fall armyworms and other pests to aid farmers, Genzola said.*