Rice farmers told: Take advantage of the rains

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture has advised rice farmers in the province to fast-track rice production while the rainy weather still favors and spurs faster rice growth.

While the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration predicted that El Niño may be felt until early 2015, DA in Central Visayas has urged farmers to be prepared always on the possible impact of the dry spell.

The agency’s mitigating measures such as water management and conservation, small-scale irrigation systems, innovative farming, fishery technologies and policy initiatives have started since the summer season, said DA-7 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Chief Gerry Avila.

These measures hope to help the growers lessen the negative effects of El Niño on their businesses.

“Actually we are hoping nga di na gyod unta ni moabot ang El Niño,” the chief said, “pero looking at September and October ang forecast sa PAGASA magsige pa kuno og uwan.”

Although the weather bureau said the country is going to experience below-normal rainfall starting September.

The rainy weather experienced now should push farmers to plant more rice while water supply is abundant, Avila noted, saying that “kay sige pa man og uwan-uwan, paspasan gyod nato ang implementation sa production nga ang farmers nato mananom kutob sa mahimo.”

The DA official explained that rice plants really need plenty of water especially in the early part of the growth process.

He also said the department now plans to have an information caravan throughout the region to improve the awareness of farmers and other stakeholders on the effects of climate change and adaption practices.

Moreover, the Agriculture Department reiterated that people should not remain complacent with the rainy weather but should continue to conserve water in any means.

DA’s Avila advised farmers to apply controlled irrigation in rice production to save water. “Bisan daghan og tubig karon, di nato usik-usikan kay magamit na siya sa other water requirements.” (FREEMAN)