DA to help farmers affected by El Niño in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture (DA) has adopted strategies and mechanisms to assist rice farmers as the country braces for the effects of the severe dry spell in the region brought by the El Niño phenomenon, official said Tuesday.

Constancio Alama, DA regional director, said the department is proactive in addressing the impact of El Niño.

Alama said part of the strategies is to distribute high quality seeds to farmers who will be affected by the drought.

“We have to be proactive by implementing strategies that would mitigate the effect of the El Niño,” he said.

Alama said synchronized planting will also be adopted for systematic utilization of irrigation water for planting.

He said focus will also be given to alternative staple foods such as corn, cassava and sweet potato.

The National Food Authority (NFA) meanwhile assured there is enough supply of rice once severe drought hits the region.

Gaudencio Nuega, NFA assistant regional director, said the country is expected to import 750,000 metric tons of rice this month.

Nuega added that Zamboanga City receives 8,000 metric tons or about 150,000 bags of rice.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that rainfall was getting below normal since last October.

Maribel Enriquez, PAGASA Zamboanga City station meteorological chief, said the region will experience dry spell starting November until March next year.