In anticipation of a prolonged El Niño and severe dry spells, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA-6) is rolling out comprehensive measures to secure the region’s agricultural water supply and assist local farmers.

NIA-6 officials, during a forum, detailed their proactive steps, emphasizing that the agency is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations for the looming drought.

Engineer Jonel Borres, NIA-6 manager, acknowledged the immense challenge posed by the dry weather, noting that even major irrigation systems and rivers are already experiencing critical drops in water levels.

“Our communal irrigation systems, and even our larger systems, have limitations when it comes to resources. The rivers are really drying up,” he said.

“That is why NIA’s preparation is crucial. We are planning this thoroughly to ensure maximum efficiency because the available water for irrigation is dwindling,” Borres continued.

To optimize water distribution, the agency has deployed 30 units of heavy equipment to expedite the repair and desilting of irrigation facilities.

Borres explained that the agency is maximizing the current dry season cut-off period to ensure all facilities are in optimal condition for the next cropping cycle.

The NIA- chief also highlighted the fast-tracking of solar-powered pump projects as a major intervention for farmers currently burdened by soaring fuel prices.

“We are expediting the construction of ongoing solar pumps because they offer immense help. Given the current high fuel prices, a farmer with a solar pump can plant three to four times a year,” Borres explained

“As long as there is an available water source, there are no fuel costs to run the pump. This is one of our major preparations for El Niño,” he added.

Furthermore, NIA-6 is actively collaborating with other government agencies to encourage farmers to shift to drought-resistant varieties and high-value crops to sustain their income despite the intense heat.

Alongside infrastructure improvements, NIA-6 is heavily campaigning for behavioral shifts in farming through water conservation technologies.

Engineer Rebecca Grana, acting division manager of NIA-6, emphasized the implementation of the alternate wetting and drying (AWD) technique across the region.

“We are educating farmers that rice does not need to be continuously submerged in water,” she said.

Grana explained that through the use of observation wells or tubes, farmers can accurately determine when to pause irrigation and when to replenish it.

This method not only conserves water—allowing the surplus to be diverted to other parched agricultural areas—but also promotes healthier crop growth.

“Another advantage of AWD is that rice tillering actually improves when the water is properly managed and periodically drained. This is one of our key initiatives for El Niño,” Grana said.IMT