The Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured the agriculture sector’s preparedness against the effects of possible extreme weather disturbances in the Philippines.
The agency made the remark after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported a 92 percent probability that the southwest monsoon or “habagat” will coincide with Super El Niño from June to August.
DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the El Niño Task Force has been activated for some time to help protect local food production nationwide.
“Yes. Nag-utos na si Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., na-activate na matagal na yung El Niño Task Force para tumugon sa isyu sa El Niño,” he said.
Although cyclones are expected to be fewer, De Mesa said they are likely to be stronger, with the possibility of flooding.
“Medyo masalimuot kasi while we are expecting drought, we’re also expecting matinding pagbaha dahil nga malalakas yung mga ulan. So, medyo extreme iyan,” he said.
Regarding the effects of El Niño, he said the DA is intensifying the promotion of drought-tolerant varieties and the use of solar irrigation systems.
Possible rains, however, may benefit land preparation and early vegetative stages of palay production from June to July.
“June to July okay pa iyan kasi kailangan natin ng tubig at saka para mapuno nga iyong mga dams,” de Mesa said.
“So, welcome sa atin ‘yung mga tubig. Huwag lang yung sobrang dami na masira yung mga bukirin, pero yung pag-uulan that time, kayang-kaya pa iyan i-absorb ng dams.”
Besides appropriate crop varieties and timing, the DA also assured the availability of a quick response fund for recovery, along with the prepositioning of seedlings, fertilizers and other agricultural inputs, among others.PNA
