Armyworms damage to corn farms in province reaches PHP37.32M

Damage brought by armyworm infestation to cornfields in 11 local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental reached PHP37.32 million as of July 30, data from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) on Friday showed.

The consolidated data showed that 2,504.6 hectares of corn farms owned by 3,961 farmers in 77 villages have been infested.

San Carlos City reported the highest amount at PHP9.465 million, affecting 663.38 hectares tilled by 852 farmers in nine villages.

Damage in the neighboring Calatrava town reached PHP7.084 million in 334.72 hectares planted by 384 farmers in 13 barangays; followed by La Castellana, PHP4.439 million, with 155.54 hectares of 358 farmers in seven barangays; and Himamaylan City, PHP3.772 million with 243.18 hectares of 449 farmers in 11 barangay.

Other affected LGUs are Moises Padilla, PHP3.556 million with 236.65 hectares of 278 farmers in five barangays; Isabela, PHP3.291 million, with 353.92 hectares of 685 farmers in 10 barangays; Murcia, PHP3.211 million, with 264.40 hectares of 556 farmers in seven barangays; and Don Salvador Benedicto, PHP1.6 million, with 171 hectares of 271 farmers in six barangays.

The remaining three localities with reported damage valued below P1 million are Hinoba-an, Ilog and Sipalay City.

In an interview, Fifth District Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo, whose area of jurisdiction includes Himamaylan City, La Castellana, Moises Padilla and Isabela, said the infestation has subsided in some areas, particularly in two villages in Himamaylan, which first reported the infestation in June.

“We are okay using the recommended chemicals. We have not received reports that it has spread further,” he added.

Last month, Yulo facilitated the visit of experts from the National Crop Protection Center of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, Laguna to the province to conduct a field check and assessment of the affected areas, including sugarcane plantations.* (Nanette Guadalquiver)