By JEN BAYLON

Agricultural damage caused by the El Niño phenomenon in Negros Occidental has reached P340 million, as of May 24, the latest data from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist showed yesterday.

The damage to rice crops was pegged at P306,736,598.61, while losses to corn were estimated at P17,102,799.31, and high-value crops at P13,330,121.

The fisheries sector also suffered damage, totaling P3,556,022, affecting 34 fisherfolk in six local government units (LGUs).

The LGUs which recorded agricultural damage due to El Niño-induced drought include the cities of Kabankalan, Escalante, Himamaylan, Bago, and San Carlos City, as well as the municipalities of Cauayan, San Enrique, Candoni, Valladolid, Ilog, Calatrava, and Hinoba-an.

Earlier, Kabankalan, San Enrique, San Carlos, and Valladolid were placed under a state of calamity which allows them to access emergency and quick response funds to augment local funds for rehabilitation efforts.

The provincial government has also been working closely with the affected LGUs to provide relief and assistance to farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño./JB, WDJ