May 29, 2024

 

Farmers in the Philippines advised it's safe to plant despite upcoming La Nina

Philippine officials have assured farmers in the country that it is safe to plant crops during the rainy season and the predicted onset of La Nina, which is expected to be weak in the third quarter of this year, Philippine News Agency reported.

 

Engineer Dan Caber, chief of the local Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said that La Nina will begin weakly but will intensify by December or January 2025.

 

La Nina is characterised by increased rainfall and potential flooding, but these conditions are not expected in the coming months, he said.

 

The next cropping season, starting around June or July, should be favourable for farmers planting rice and corn, according to PAGASA predictions, with the harvest expected towards the fourth quarter of this year.

 

Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) chief Emmanuel Caduyac mentioned that the provincial government continues to support farmers affected by the recent El Nino phenomenon by distributing seeds, fertilisers, and farm implements to help them recover and prepare for the planting season.

 

From January 1 to May 25, 2024, the PAO distributed 700 bags of white corn seeds, 211 bags of yellow corn seeds, 1,125 bags of registered rice seeds, 3,480 bags of Triple 14, 204 bags of urea, and 600 bags of organic fertilisers.

 

The amount of corn seeds varied based on the needs of the farmers, with some requesting as little as 5 kg.

 

Additionally, the provincial agriculturist noted that 55 units of portable water pumps were distributed to farmers' associations for farm irrigation.

 

Earlier, the provincial government purchased over PHP 100 million (US$1.7 million) worth of tractors for distribution to various local government units to assist farmers affected by El Nino.

 

Meanwhile, the province experienced its highest heat index level at 43.5°C with predictions from the weather bureau indicating it may rise further in the coming days.

 

Adrian Sedillo, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), reported that Negros Oriental logged the highest heat index based on PAGASA reports. The PDRRMO is monitoring two PAGASA stations: the Dumaguete station in Negros Oriental and the La Granja station in La Carlota, Negros Occidental.

 

-      Philippine News Agency