NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DA Assures Ample Rice Supply Despite El Nino
Photo credit: PCO
The Department of Agriculture (DA) reassured the public on Friday that they are well-prepared for the looming El Nino phenomenon that could impact rice production. During a press briefing at Malacañang, Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian stated that measures have been put into place to counter the impact of the dry spell on food production.
Concerns have been raised about the potential crisis in rice production and agriculture as a result of the El Niño phenomenon. However, Sebastian stated that the DA is conducting an assessment of areas that could be negatively or positively affected by the dry spell. "The areas that were negatively affected, we are implementing measures to mitigate the effect, but those areas with positive effects will see an increase in production," he said.
Sebastian added that the DA is focusing on areas in the Philippines that produce high palay yield even during the El Niño. This way, they can optimize their intervention and increase production. He also mentioned that there are positive effects of the El Niño phenomenon, such as the increase in solar radiation that can enhance crop growth.
Last month, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered government agencies to prepare for the possible impact of the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to hit the country in the last quarter of this year or the first quarter of 2024. The President also instructed various agencies to ensure "protocol-based and scientific" long-term solutions to the impending problem and to come up with a campaign to generate public awareness on water and energy conservation.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) had earlier stated that the probability of the occurrence of El Nino is 80 percent for the months of June, July, and August, and 86 percent for the months of November, December, and January. However, the country may experience heavy rainfall events prior to its impact.
Concerns have been raised about the potential crisis in rice production and agriculture as a result of the El Niño phenomenon. However, Sebastian stated that the DA is conducting an assessment of areas that could be negatively or positively affected by the dry spell. "The areas that were negatively affected, we are implementing measures to mitigate the effect, but those areas with positive effects will see an increase in production," he said.
Sebastian added that the DA is focusing on areas in the Philippines that produce high palay yield even during the El Niño. This way, they can optimize their intervention and increase production. He also mentioned that there are positive effects of the El Niño phenomenon, such as the increase in solar radiation that can enhance crop growth.
Last month, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered government agencies to prepare for the possible impact of the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to hit the country in the last quarter of this year or the first quarter of 2024. The President also instructed various agencies to ensure "protocol-based and scientific" long-term solutions to the impending problem and to come up with a campaign to generate public awareness on water and energy conservation.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) had earlier stated that the probability of the occurrence of El Nino is 80 percent for the months of June, July, and August, and 86 percent for the months of November, December, and January. However, the country may experience heavy rainfall events prior to its impact.
May 12, 2023
