The El Niño phenomenon has led to significant agricultural losses in the Philippines, with the Department of Agriculture reporting damages across Ilocos, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, and Zamboanga peninsula amounting to P357.4 million (€5.7 mln). The drought has impacted 6,523 hectares of farmland, resulting in a production loss of 14,601 tons and affecting some 7,700 farmers.
In response, the Department of Agriculture is initiating recovery efforts, including the distribution of vegetable seeds and drought-resistant planting materials, alongside cloud-seeding operations in collaboration with various government agencies.
Strategies such as the promotion of drought-resistant crops, pest control, alternate wetting-and-drying methods, and the exploration of solar-powered irrigation systems are being employed to mitigate the effects of low rainfall. Furthermore, the Department is coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Labor and Employment to provide financial support to the affected farmers. With the strong El Niño phenomenon ongoing, the number of provinces experiencing drought is expected to rise.
Source: philstar.com