ILOILO – The Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) bared preparedness plans to mitigate the potential impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
The plans are in response to predictions by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) of a stronger El Niño expected in the first to second quarter of 2024.
The PAO has proposed a budget of P54.4 million for mitigation and adaptation strategies. The breakdown includes:
* P26.4 million for the Rice sector, focusing on hybrid and inbred rice production, balanced fertilization, the Jalaur premium rice program, and aquaculture mitigation
* P1 million for the Fisheries sector, dedicated to coastal and marine resources management
* P2 million for the Livestock sector, targeting livestock and poultry mitigation
* P17 million for Irrigation Support, involving water pump distribution and small-scale irrigation projects.
* P1 million for the Climate Field School to train rice farmers
The data indicates the potential impact on rice cultivation by district, with a total of 236,774.11 hectares at risk, including irrigated, rainfed, and upland areas. Livestock farmers, including cattle, carabao, and goat farmers, are also likely to be affected.
Resano explained that the region, particularly the province of Iloilo, is forecasted to experience below-normal rainfall over the next six months, potentially leading to dry spells and droughts. These conditions could significantly impact major crops, livestock, poultry, and fisheries, as well as increase pest and disease prevalence.
In preparation, the Provincial Agriculture Office has already implemented various mitigation programs and plans for El Niño. These include:
* Climate Field Schools for farmers in San Miguel, Sara, and Janiuay
* Support for hybrid and inbred rice production.
* Dry seedling campaigns and training
* Promotion of climate-smart aquaculture practices
* Government interventions such as feed distribution, salt block provision, and silage-making seminars
* Agri-fishery mitigation and rehabilitation support during calamities
* Alternative water sources like shallow tube wells, small water impounding, water pumps, and mobile irrigation
* Crop insurance to cover force majeure, pest, disease damage, and rehabilitation assistance/PN