BACOLOD City – The provincial government of Negros Occidental is wary of the El Niño phenomenon that is seen to intensify in the next few months.
Although 60 percent of the province’s farmlands are irrigated, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson saw the need to maximize water availability.
The El Niño is characterized by dry spells.
Lacson said they have already identified areas for impounding water, and the installation of additional water pumps may be needed.
Lacson further pointed out that the 60 percent of the irrigated farmlands are also the major sources of the province’s rice supply.
Negros Occidental is currently 84 percent rice sufficient. From the average four tons per hectare production, rice producers in the province are now producing five tons per hectare.
Despite the looming threat of El Niño, Lacson is still encouraging rice farmers to push for six tons per hectare production to increase the province’s rice supply.
Last month, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) urged local government units (LGUs), government agencies and residents in Western Visayas to prepare for the potential effect of an intensified El Niño.According to Pagasa’s rainfall forecast from January to June 2024, Negros Occidental is anticipated to receive below normal rainfall.
El Niño is a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface water of the Pacific Ocean. This increases the likelihood of below-normal rainfall conditions.
Last year, Negros Occidental experienced a moderate El Niño. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
