The provincial government of Pangasinan is preparing for the possible effects of the “super El Niño” by empowering farmers through its corporate farming.

In a statement on Wednesday, Provincial Agriculturist Dalisay Moya said the province is introducing machinery for rice production, including a drum seeder for sowing, a mechanical rice planter for transplanting, and a combine harvester for harvesting.

She said the machinery would speed up operations and reduce farming labor costs, especially amid the threat of El Niño.

The provincial government stated that the riding-type transplanter can cover up to one hectare in six to eight hours with just two to three operators. According to studies by the Philippine Rice Research Institute, by ensuring uniform spacing and depth, the machines can increase yields by 10 to 15 percent through better crop establishment.

It added that the program promotes clustering of small farms, mechanization, and adoption of modern technology to raise productivity and strengthen the livelihoods of Pangasinense farmers.

The provincial government has been expanding its farm mechanization support through equipment distribution, training, and links with national agencies under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, in a Tuesday interview, said the provincial government has been empowering the agricultural sector through corporate farming.

“So, with that, we’re getting the total review of the next steps because this (Super El Niño) is beyond our control. The first concern is, of course, that there will be a possible delay in production,” he said.

Pangasinan’s Corporate Farming Program is a provincial flagship initiative launched in late 2022 by Guico to transform small-scale farming into a profitable, mechanized, and sustainable economic enterprise.

He assured that the province is monitoring the possible effects of the dry spell.

“What I can assure you is that through our Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and our corporate farming program, we will be able to directly send help if there is a need for assistance coming from the province. And we will become the conduit to the national agency,” he said.

Guico added that there would be communication with the National Irrigation Administration. (PNA)