DA Bicol intensifies food production measures amid El Niño threat

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Agriculture in Bicol (DA-5) has prepared measures to help farmers in the region cope with the potential impacts of the anticipated dry season.

DA-5 spokesperson Lovella Guarin said the agency has rolled out various programs to protect and sustain production, ensuring food security.

Initially, she mentioned that from April to June, the agency distributed 26,729 bags of hybrid rice seeds to 142 farmers’ cooperatives and associations across the region as part of the rice program.

“The seed assistance package also includes foliar fertilizers, biofertilizers and soil ameliorants,” she said during a phone interview on Friday.

For farmers planting inbred rice varieties, the Philippine Rice Research Institute-5 is also distributing 171,933 bags of inbred rice seed across the region for the wet-season cropping.

The allocation includes 29,657 bags for Albay, 30,002 for Camarines Norte, 23,547 for Camarines Sur, 6,008 for Catanduanes, 70,000 for Masbate, and 29,657 for Sorsogon.

Data from DA-5 indicate that the region has 71,885 hectares of irrigated rice fields served by the National Irrigation Administration, while 34,699 hectares are rainfed and 2,337 hectares are in upland areas.

At least 25 solar-powered irrigation systems have been established across the region’s six provinces to help farmers cope with water shortages.

"These facilities currently irrigate around 437 hectares of agricultural land and operate without relying on fuel," she said.

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation reported that 190 farmers have already received indemnification amounting to PHP933,739 for crop losses related to El Niño.

Meanwhile, the National Food Authority (NFA) has maintained a sufficient rice supply in Bicol following the recent harvest season.

NFA warehouses across the region remain open to support the availability of the PHP20-per-kilo rice for qualified beneficiaries.

The Adaptation and Mitigation Initiatives in Agriculture-5 and the Organic Agriculture Program are also providing training for farmers on localized climate adaptation measures, including hydroponics, alternate wetting and drying technology, mulching, and the use of organic fertilizers to improve soil health.

Guarin said the DA-5 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Unit continues to monitor weather conditions and assess agricultural damage reports from local government units to consolidate data and endorse rehabilitation assistance requests to the DA central office. (PNA)