ZAMBOANGA CITY—The Office of the City Agriculturist has reported that the damage to agricultural and fishery products owing to the prolonged dry spell had further soared to P140.8 million as of April 8.
As of March 31, the damaged to agriculture and fishery products was pegged at P132.54 million.
City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat disclosed that, so far, 10,270 hectares of agricultural lands and fishponds have been damaged.
Palacat said the crops affected include rice, banana, assorted vegetables, rubber, cassava, corn, and even mango and coconut trees, and fishponds.
He said that the damage was not only caused by the dry spell but also by the increasing number of grass fires in rural areas.
He said the damage is widespread, covering the different agricultural districts of Tumaga, Ayala, Culianan, Manicahan, Curuan and Vitali.
He said they are continuously monitoring the water levels of the different irrigation systems in the city.
Earlier, he said that nine of the total 25 irrigation dams have dried up, six are in critical condition, while 10 are below the normal water level.