Authorities have reported an estimated P367 million in damage to agriculture due to the El Niño phenomenon, underscoring the urgent need to implement measures to mitigate the worst impacts of the recent dry spell.
In an interview with local media, Department of Agriculture (DA) Eastern Visayas Regional Executive Director Rodel Macapañas reported that the dry spell has affected 14,000 hectares of rain-fed rice farms and 3,000 hectares planted with other crops in the region.
While some of these farms are still able to produce, the yield was “lower than expected,” potentially impacting food supply in Eastern Visayas.
However, Macapañas claimed the impact on the region’s agricultural sector remains “manageable” because most rice crops planted in September and October are already in the mature stage and nearing harvest.
The dry spell has affected five of the region’s six provinces, including Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, and Northern Samar.
Local government units in Eastern Samar have reported only minimal damage, according to the DA.
Macapañas urged farmers in less vulnerable or unaffected areas to increase production to help the region meet its rice production target of 800,000 metric tons this year.
“We will optimize production in favorable areas. We will also provide assistance to farmers who will plant crops identified as less water-intensive,” he said.
The DA regional field office has also sought a P117 million budget for initiatives to mitigate the effects of El Niño, including the acquisition of water pumps to support rice production in rain-fed areas.
“Our regular programs have been refocused on El Niño mitigation efforts to help our affected farmers,” Macapañas said.
He added that the regional office is implementing a coordinated, data-driven preparedness plan to help the agriculture sector cope with potential El Niño-linked dry conditions.
The DA has begun prepositioning agricultural inputs, including drought-tolerant seeds and fertilizers, as well as irrigation assistance, to ensure these are available when needed.
Existing support mechanisms, including crop insurance, access to credit, and market facilitation, are also being strengthened to help stabilize farmers’ incomes, Macapañas said.
(With report from PNA/OpinYon News Team)
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