By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental provincial government is projected to allocate close to P100 million worth of projects for Negrense farmers and fisherfolk this year.

The announcement was made last week by Provincial Board Member Victor Javellana, who spoke before the Food Production Heroes Assembly, which took place at the Capitol Social Hall last Friday.

He highlighted various projects already undertaken by the provincial government, including P28 million for irrigation development; P25 million for farm mechanization projects; and P14.6 million for the crop insurance protection, which is under the Negros First Universal Crop Insurance Program.

Javellana also took note of the recent P7 million allocation in crop insurance for farmers affected by inclement weather.

He added, the provincial government is currently working to establish a P20 million agri-fishery laboratory; along with P5 million allocation for the development of the high-value crops, including cacao, coffee, bananas, vegetables, among others./DGB, WDJ