Organic farming pushed to mitigate El Niño

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Agriculturist Office adopts mitigating measures to help pad the adverse effects of the El Niño phenomenon especially to small farmers in the various municipalities.

The move is in response to the appeal of officials of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration to come up with more efficient measures in dealing with the dry spell that would minimize its ill effects.

Provincial agriculturist Necias Vicoy said that Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has directed him to implement programs seen to benefit a lot of farmers in the barangays and protecting sources of livelihood.

Aside from intensifying education campaign in various towns and component cities in the province, farmers are also encouraged to use organic fertilizers instead of commercial ones as growing crops would be the most vulnerable to this extreme climatic condition.

Capitol also focuses on giving more assistance to farmers, per instruction from the governor.

To intensify the education drive, Vicoy said that they have already asked the support of the mayors and barangay captains.

Further, the PAO is closely coordinating with the different city and municipal agriculturist officers in addressing problems related to the El Niño.

Strengthening the Capitol’s support for the agriculture sector is one of the ways in helping cushion the impact of increasing rice prices and other commodities, Garcia said.

The El Nino phenomenon is characterized by extreme temperature rise with a little rainfall.

Diseases relative to water scarcity, or shortage, such as diarrhea and skin ailments are also expected to hit affected areas. — Jose P. Sollano/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)