Iloilo City Agriculturist Iñigo Garingalao has reminded farmers of early planting to cushion the impact of the very strong El Niño.
In an interview on Friday, Garingalao said that the phenomenon may result in scarce agricultural supplies and even an increase in prices, but he believed one option to cushion its impact is to grow crops early.
“According to our meteorologist at the city disaster risk reduction and management office, the impact of El Niño in Iloilo City is gradual, and it is already towards summer. So our mindset is we prepare for that,” he said.
He said farmers in the city are accustomed to dry spells and shift to heat-resistant crops during these periods.
Garingalao said they can visit his office or the city nursery to learn their best practices on urban farming.
“Usually our approach is integrated,” he said, adding that they have vegetables, high-value crops, inland fishing and ‘darag’ native chicken, as other livelihood sources, among others.
The city nursery in Barangay Tacas stands on a 700-square meter lot owned by the local government. (PNA)
