THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) XI recorded around 1,297 metric tons valued at P22.5 million in total production losses in Davao Region due to the impact of El Niño.
During the Agribiz forum on Apr. 23, DA XI regional director Macario Gonzaga said the most affected are the upland vegetable and corn farmers.
Gonzaga also said during the DA XI management committee meeting, they saw the need to fast-track the delivery of interventions to meet the farmer’s needs.
“The systems are in place but it should be sustainable. We need to make sure that our programs are the answer to our farmers’ needs. In that way, the interventions given are appropriate and timely,” he added.
Based on the DA XI Disaster Risk and Management (DRRM) team reports, around 547 hectares were affected, with 227 can still be recovered while 320 ha. are totally unsavable, especially those in Davao del Sur.
Upon the declaration of El Niño Watch and El Niño Alert, DA XI allocated P1 billion for its El Niño Action Plan focusing on saving the vulnerable areas, such as in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental.
The mitigation measures include “the provision of drought-resistant rice seed varieties, plastic drums for rainwater catchment, construction of spring development project in the upland areas, and assessment of irrigation network systems.”
DA XI also maximized the production of less vulnerable areas by distributing rice, corn and vegetable seeds, and biologics for livestock and poultry.
According to the DRRM report, DA XI allocated P24.5 million for the rehabilitation of the El Niño affected areas. The farmers will receive the assistance after thorough validation, receipt, and approval of the rehabilitation plan from the provincial local government.
Meanwhile, PAGASA noted that although El Niño has weakened, it will be expected to persist until May this year.
“The transition to an El Niño-Southern Oscillation neutral condition, which means neither La Niña or El Niño are predominant, is expected between April and July with an 83% chance,” PAGASA stated.
