The Department of Agriculture (DA) 5 (Bicol) intensified contingency measures to cushion the impact of El Niño on the agricultural sector, aiming to sustain farm production and protect farmers from a prolonged dry spell expected later this year.

During a press conference on Thursday, DA-5 Technical Director for Operations Robella Naldo said the agency’s primary concern is to ensure that farmers continue planting despite the heightened risk of water shortages caused by prolonged dry conditions.

To address this, Naldo said, DA-5 is strengthening production-support interventions, coordinating with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to improve irrigation assistance, and preparing additional contingency measures to minimize the effects of El Niño on farm productivity.

“We have to strike a balance between addressing supply requirements and safeguarding our local producers,” she said.

Threatening typhoon

Meanwhile, DA-5 spokesperson Lovella Guarin said the agency has prepositioned rice, corn, and vegetable seeds, along with other farm inputs, for immediate distribution to farmers once the approaching weather disturbance affects the region.

Guarin said about 80,000 hectares of standing rice and high-value crops could be affected by the inclement weather, while about 26,795 hectares of rice areas are considered vulnerable to flooding.

She also urged farmers to move livestock to safer areas, secure farm equipment, and follow evacuation advisories issued by local authorities as part of disaster preparedness measures. (PNA)