WE SHOULD all be ready for sweltering months ahead. The days are getting warmer, and according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, there is a high likelihood that El Niño phenomenon would develop in the next six months. The probability of El Niño being declared is at 55 percent.
It doesn’t take rocket science to be alarmed. The phenomenon’s ill-effects should never be underestimated, especially in the agriculture sector. As the temperature increases, food production decreases, experts say.
Past experiences have shown us that aside from crops, also affected were livestock, poultry, and even the hog industry (that is already reeling from the outbreak of the African swine fever).
Very hot days or a long dry spell is detrimental to our agriculture, and thus, to our food security. Does the national government have plans for this? An emergency fund perhaps to mitigate the effects of drought in different regions?
But even in the local level, local governments must already start preparing. For example, the very least they can do is allot funds for projects and programs that ensure stable water supply and farm produce.
A few El Niño phenomena ago, Iloilo farmers were urged to adopt the palayamanan technology that involved the planting of vegetables and growing of livestock inland in addition to rice and corn to ensure a steady supply of food. Irrigation canals were also cleared to enhance the flow of water to ricefields, especially in farming municipalities needing priority.
The Department of Agriculture should have more in place to protect farmers and traders, and consequently the consumers. The money that will be available for the drought may be used to buy seeds, build water infrastructures, and maintain livestock.
The national and local governments should take the cue from these past measures. These are very important not only for the farm owners but for the whole country’s economy as well.
