Alcala supports one cropping cycle in flood-prone areas

MANILA, Philippines – Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala supports the conduct of only one cropping cycle in rice areas that are frequently damaged by floods during bad weather to secure the yield and prevent wastage of government resources.

The National Rice Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) has proposed the removal from the list of priority rice production areas all planting areas that regularly suffer from flooding during typhoons and monsoon rains.

Among the areas being considered for removal in the list are several provinces in Region 2 and Region 3. Among these are Pampanga, Bulacan and Tarlac.

Vulnerable rice planting areas in the country comprise an estimated 100,000 hectares. If these areas will be removed from the priority production areas, lost yield would be recovered in other provinces.

Farmers in identified vulnerable areas would not be prevented from planting rice but will receive less government support in the form of farm inputs like seedlings and irrigation facilities.

They will, however, received higher crop insurance coverage.

Alcala said the estimated rice production in vulnerable areas would no longer be included in the national projection if these scheme is carried out.

“In vulnerable areas, it would be better to have a surplus than fall short of production target,” Alcala said.

“They (farmers) will not be stopped from cultivating their lands but their output will no longer be included in the projection,” he added.

This proposition is expected to raise concerns on the possible loss of livelihood among farmers.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary and National Rice Program coordinator Dante Delima said the department is also considering the provision of alternative sources of livelihood for farmers.

This month, these areas will be mapped using historical data on typhoon damage.

Data from the last five years and last three years would be used as reference.

The production calendar of these vulnerable areas are also being reviewed to determine if a single cropping scheme per year can be sustained. This will ensure that the yield is secure.

If the areas are properly identified and proper interventions are installed this year, the new policy would be implemented next year after consultations with stakeholders.