DA reports that losses due to El Niño phenomenon amounted to P357M
Agricultural losses caused by the El Niño phenomenon have surged to P357.4 million, with the most significant impact observed in palay production, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The adverse weather pattern has affected 6,523 hectares of farmlands across the regions of Ilocos, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, and the Zamboanga Peninsula. Among these, rice fields bore the brunt, with an estimated 5,011 hectares affected, representing 0.52 percent of the total target area planted. The production loss in rice amounted to 11,480 metric tons, accounting for around 0.12 percent of this year’s targeted dry cropping season output.
Corn cultivation also faced challenges, with 1,263 hectares affected, equivalent to 0.11 percent of the total target area planted. The production loss in corn stood at 2,897 metric tons, or 0.06 percent of the target production for the 2024 dry cropping season.
The DA had earlier identified approximately 275,000 hectares of rice fields as vulnerable to the impacts of El Niño, representing an estimated 1.1 million metric tons of palay or rice stocks, sufficient for 20 days.
As of February 24, around 7,668 farmers have been adversely affected by the drought. In response, the DA has reaffirmed its commitment to providing assistance to affected regions through the distribution of vegetable seeds and planting materials for high-value crops.
Furthermore, the department plans to distribute planting materials for water-efficient high-value crops in the Zamboanga Peninsula to aid farmers in recovering from the intensified dry spell caused by El Niño. Measures such as implementing alternate wetting-and-drying techniques to conserve water in rice fields and exploring solar-powered irrigation systems are also underway to address water scarcity in drought-prone regions.
To mitigate the impact of water scarcity, cloud-seeding operations will be conducted in collaboration with the state weather bureau and the Philippine Air Force, particularly in the Cagayan Valley Region.
Additionally, the promotion of drought-resistant crops and pest-control efforts is being prioritized to assist farmers in areas experiencing low rainfall levels, as part of ongoing efforts to alleviate the adverse effects of El Niño on agriculture.
Business News: DA reports that losses due to El Niño phenomenon amounted to P357M
