By JEN BAYLON

The Negros Occidental Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) reported a staggering P21.2 million worth of damage to corn crops due to armyworm infestations in the province.

According to OPA’s data from June 1 to July 16, a total of 1,517 farmers in 51 barangays were affected by the infestation.

Calatrava town was the worst-hit local government unit, with damage at P7 million, affecting 384 farmers.

La Castellana town followed closely with P4.4 million in losses, impacting 358 farmers.

Other local government units that were severely affected by the infestation, include Himamaylan City with P3.1 million in damage, Moises Padilla town (P2.4 million), Murcia town (P1.9 million), and Isabela town (P1.6 million).

The armyworm infestation has been causing significant damage to crops, particularly corn and sugarcane, posing a threat to food security in the province.

The OPA is seeking alternative methods to control armyworms and mitigate the losses to crops.

Earlier, the agency launched a thorough study to ensure the safety of chemicals being considered for use to combat the armyworm infestation.

The move came after OPA received the results of a collaborative study by the provincial government, University of the Philippines-Los Baños, the National Crop Protection Center, and other partner agencies, which recommended certain chemicals for use against armyworms.

OPA said they are consolidating reports and findings to assess the effectiveness of insecticides to combat the infestation./JB, WDJ