Department of Agriculture to Aid El Niño-hit Farmers with Crop Support

Manila, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced plans to distribute vegetable seeds and planting materials for high-value crops that require minimal water to farmers in regions severely impacted by the El Niño phenomenon.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative aims to support farmers in the Western Visayas, Mimaropa, Ilocos Region, and Zamboanga Peninsula in recovering from the adverse effects of the prolonged dry spell associated with El Niño.

The latest El Niño bulletin has documented significant agricultural damage and losses across Ilocos, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula, totaling PHP 357.4 million, affecting 7,668 farmers. The dry conditions have compromised potential production over 6,523 hectares, resulting in estimated losses of 11,480 metric tons (MT) for palay (rice), 2,897 MT for corn, and 225 MT for high-value crops. These losses represent a minor fraction of the overall target output for the 2024 dry cropping season but highlight the vulnerability of these regions to climatic variations.

In response to the crisis, the DA has outlined several measures to mitigate the impact of the dry spell. These include the imminent commencement of cloud-seeding operations in the Cagayan Valley to address water shortages. Furthermore, the agency is promoting the cultivation of drought-resistant crops and implementing pest control efforts to support farmers in areas with low rainfall.

Efforts to conserve water in rice cultivation through the adoption of alternate wetting-and-drying methods are being encouraged. Additionally, the DA is exploring the utilization of solar-powered irrigation systems to supplement water supply in drought-prone areas. To provide comprehensive support, affected farmers will be referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Labor and Employment for financial assistance and other forms of aid.

These interventions by the DA are part of a broader strategy to ensure the resilience of the agricultural sector in the Philippines against the backdrop of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and climate-related challenges.