The Department of Agriculture-Provincial Agriculture and Technology and Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO) in Negros Oriental has incurred over P2.4 billion in agricultural losses due to El Niño, an official said yesterday.

Alejandro Rafal, DA-PATCO Negros Oriental chief, said the office is validating the final report on the impact of the phenomenon in the province before sending it to the central office.

“The report includes damage to rice, corn and high-value crops like vegetables, fruits and coconuts, fisheries, and livestock, and other commodities,” Rafal said.

Over 3,000 farmers and fishermen were affected.

With the onset of the rainy season which the state weather bureau officially said started last week, Rafal said they are now preparing for the start of the first cropping season this year.

Those affected by El Niño are awaiting further government assistance to help them recoup their losses.

Meanwhile, the provincial government has already started distributing rice and corn seeds, fertilizers and some farm implements to affected farmers. (PNA)