NEGROS ISLAND, Negros Occidental — Amidst the continuing unrest and volcanic activities of Mount Kanlaon on the island of Negros that started early this month, the agriculture sector in the region has suffered losses reaching to more than ₱32.34 million.

In its latest bulletin, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that rice, corn, high-value crops and livestock sustained extensive damages following the historic Volcano's eruption.

Some 780 farmers were affected, and the eruption damaged 832 metric tons of local farm produce across 297 hectares of agricultural land.

“Additional damage and losses are expected as assessment is ongoing in areas affected by the Kanlaon Volcanic Activity,” the DA said.

Agriculture assistant secretary Arnel de Mesa disclosed that high-value crops, including upland and lowland vegetables, spices, fruit trees, root crops, coffee and cacao, incurred about ₱29.25 million in losses which represent 742 metric tons of crops affect in 177 hectares of land.

Some ₱2.58 million worth of rice was hit as well, mostly in vegetative and reproductive stages. The eruption damaged P503,350 in corn produce and ₱12,000 worth of livestock and poultry as well.

According to the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), more than 6,800 hectares of sugar plantations were likewise damaged in the country’s sugar capital.

In a Viber message to the Inquirer, SRA administrator Pablo Luis Azcona revealed that "it’s too early to tell" the amount of actual damage sustained by the local sector due to eruption, ashfall and recent heavy rains.
The affected sugar crops include those in La Carlota, La Castellana, Bago City and Murcia.

Meanwhile, the DA has announced that it is prepared to distribute rice and corn seeds, alongside drugs and biologics for livestock animals.

Affected farmers, the agency said, can tap the quick response fund for the rehabilitation of affected areas and secure up to ₱ 25,000 in loans from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan Program, payable in three years at zero interest.

At the same time, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation also announced that it will be indemnifying insured affected farmers in the Negros provinces and other outlying areas.