The Department of Agriculture (DA) office in Ilocos Region has put preparedness measures in place to cushion the potential impacts of the “very strong” El Niño on the region.

DA project evaluation officer Milagros Dela Rosa said during a forum on Tuesday that the measures include strengthening irrigation and water management through the deployment of solar-powered irrigation systems and solar pumps.

“We are also continuously monitoring our irrigation facilities. We have repair and rehabilitation of our existing irrigation facilities and pumps. At the same time, we are also assessing our irrigation system as we are adjusting our water allocation and at the same time the delivery schedules,” she said.

Dela Rosa said the DA is also providing climate-resilient seeds and other farm inputs.

“So now, our distribution of drought-tolerant and early maturing seeds is in position and ongoing. And at the same time, we are also providing quality seeds, fertilizers, and biofertilizers,” she said.

As part of efforts to educate farmers, the DA is encouraging them to plant short-maturing, less water-intensive crops, such as mung beans.

The agency is also promoting crop diversification and adjusting planting calendars based on weather forecasts and water availability.

“We are also strengthening our early warning and our climate risk assessment. Like, we are monitoring our weather forecasts from the weather bureau, rainfall patterns, water availability, and our crop conditions. And then, we are also monitoring our vulnerable rainfall and seasonal farming areas,” Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa said the DA also issues advisories to farmers and fisherfolk on planting schedules and appropriate production practices.

Coordination with other agencies is also vital, she added, noting that a DA El Niño Task Force has been activated to coordinate preparedness and response efforts in affected areas. (PNA)