The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Mimaropa urged farmers to conserve water and manage soil properly to minimize crop losses as El Niño looms.
The call covers farmers in Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan, particularly those relying on rain-fed farms or limited water sources.
Maria Teresa B. Carido, DA Mimaropa development management officer, said early preparation would help farmers protect their crops and income.
‘Our advice from the DA is to prepare early so we can avoid losing income from our harvest. It is vital that we are more careful and efficient in our water use, especially those who rely on rain-fed fields or have limited water sources,’ Carido said during the Arangkada Mimaropa program of the Philippine Information Agency (PNA).
Carido urged farmers to keep irrigation systems, including shallow tube wells, clean and well-maintained to ensure an adequate water supply to crops.
‘Efficient water use and clean, functional irrigation systems are essential,’ she said.
She also recommended adding organic matter, soil conditioners and biofertilizers to help retain soil moisture during drier conditions.
The DA Mimaropa Disaster Risk Reduction and Management unit will distribute planting materials, biofertilizers and soil conditioners to help farmers cope with the dry spell.
Carido also advised farmers to plant drought-tolerant crops and adjust their planting schedules to avoid periods of peak water shortages.