Crop damage and other agricultural production losses in Negros Oriental due to El Niño have reached more than P229 million.

A report from the Department of Agriculture-Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO) showed that as of April 18, production loss in value was pegged at P229.881 million.

This includes rice, corn, high-value crops, such as fruits and vegetables, fisheries, livestock, and agricultural infrastructures from 13 towns and cities.

The affected areas are Mabinay, Bayawan City, Zamboanguita, Vallehermoso, Bais City, Dumaguete City, La Libertad, Tanjay, Manjuyod, Bindoy, Dauin, Tayasan, and Canlaon City.

Mabinay posted the highest losses at over P90.6 million in high-value crops and some P18.5 million in rice.

Zamboanguita, meanwhile, recorded P23.5 million in damage to an irrigation system.

The number of farmers and fisherfolk affected totaled 5,193.

Some 1,306 hectares affected have no chance of recovery (totally damaged), while those that are partially damaged and can still recover were pegged at roughly 3,542 hectares, the report showed.

The agency feared that figures would continue to rise in the coming weeks since not all local government units have submitted their reports yet. (PNA)