The Department of Agriculture yesterday reported  P56 million in damage to crops in earthquake-hit  areas of Negros Oriental due to landslides that hit the First District,  which is considered  the corn basket of  the province.

This was reported by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala to  President Benigno  Aquino yesterday, adding that the DA is extending 1,000 sacks of certified corn seeds,  100 bags of open pollinated cord seeds, and 2,000 packets of assorted seeds that are ready for distribution to the farmers.

Alcala also reported the destruction of farm facilities worth  P2.72 million in Region 6, and 17 irrigation systems destroyed in Region 7 that need immediate restoration.

The DA official assured Aquino that  50 percent of the facilities will be restored in two weeks time. He also requested the regional director and provincial manager of the National Food  Authority to allow affected families to buy NFA rice at the  bodega price of P1,350 per bag without necessarily registering with the cereal agency.

According to Alcala, the NFA bodega in Guihulngan has a buffer stock of 134,250 bags that is good for 23 days’ consumption.

The DA secretary, meanwhile,  is fielding personnel to purchase livestock from  different areas to  stave off an artificial increase in prices, while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is also under orders to use speed boats in delivering vegetables from Canlaon City.

As to the fish requirement,  Alcala said the supply can be sourced from fish cages in Bais City.*JG

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