Despite the impending arrival of El Niño, its effects are already evident, exacerbating the existing severe conditions of elevated temperatures. On April 10, 2024, for instance, San Enrique in Negros Occidental proclaimed a state of calamity due to significant damage inflicted by El Niño on crops and fisheries.
Predictions from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) indicate that a potential El Niño could emerge between June and August 2026.
El Niño, which occurs every three to seven years, is characterized by the weakening or reversal of trade winds in the tropical regions of the Pacific Ocean. These winds transport surface water, heated by the tropical sun, towards the eastern Pacific Ocean and the equatorial west coast of South America.
As the current progresses, rain may follow, potentially leading to flooding in eastern South America, while regions such as Australia, southern Africa, and much of Asia may experience drought. In the Philippines, a prolonged dry spell is anticipated.
A dry spell, by definition, is a duration marked by minimal or absent rainfall, which can result in drought conditions that adversely impact agriculture and natural landscapes.
“Farmers can still continue growing crops but they have to practice that are not coherent to what they use to do,” says Jethro P. Adang, the director of the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC), a non-government organization based in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur.
MBRLC has proven before that the onslaught of El Niño can be minimized if a farmer follows a system that is compatible with the conditions. The Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT), which was developed by the MBRLC, has been observed to produce crops despite the long drought.
The cost and return analysis of the SALT demonstration plot showed that during the El Niño in 1983, the system still managed to give a monthly net income of P436.90. The previous figure, in 1982, was P597.85 per month. Reported studies showed that most upland farmers in the country during that time get a measly income of only P300 per month.
In 1990, when another drought hit Mindanao, the SALT system had a monthly net income of P1,277.31. This was only 54.34 lower than the previously reported monthly net income of P1,331.74 in 1989.
SALT introduces a scheme whereby denuded uplands can be made productive for farmers using locally available materials. Planting leguminous trees and shrubs closely as belts, this technology conserves soil and water, making the uplands more favorable for the sustained production of many annual and perennial agricultural crops.
During El Niño, most experts recommended crops that are drought-tolerant, have low water requirements, and mature early to avoid long-term exposure to dry conditions. Key recommendations include cassava, sweet potato, corn, mung bean, peanut, and deep-rooted vegetables like eggplant, okra, tomato, and squash.
The MBRLC is known for raising goats. The recommended forage is sorghum, highly-drought and heat-tolerant. Napier grass is another recommended forage as it can withstand periods of low moisture and still produce a significant amount of forage.
Climate-smart maps produced by the Philippine Rice Institute (PhilRice) indicate that within the 1.58 million hectares of rice cultivation in Luzon, approximately 301,000 hectares are highly vulnerable to drought, while an additional 280,000 hectares are moderately at risk. In Mindanao, around 150,000 hectares are categorized as highly susceptible, and over 205,000 hectares in the Visayas are similarly threatened.
Christopher C. Cabusora, a senior plant breeder at PhilRice, stated that selecting appropriate varieties is one of the effective strategies farmers can employ to adapt to water-scarce conditions. He noted that the recommended varieties are divided into two categories: drought-resistant types that can endure limited water availability and early-maturing types that can be harvested earlier, thereby assisting farmers in evading the most intense dry spells.
“These varieties enable farmers to manage heat stress and restricted water supply. They necessitate less irrigation, mature in approximately 106 to 113 days, and can still produce yields of 3-6 tons per hectare under conditions prone to stress,” Cabusora explained.
In contrast to the commonly cultivated varieties that take about 120 to 130 days to mature, early-maturing rice reduces the duration of field exposure to drought, particularly during critical growth phases.
The right time to plant crops during an El Niño event is contingent upon the particular weather conditions and the types of crops being grown. Typically, it is advisable to plant crops during the wet season prior to the onset of El Niño effects. This strategy promotes enhanced crop development and reduces the adverse effects of El Niño during the subsequent dry season.
“The ideal time for planting is at dawn, just before sunrise or in the early morning,” says Adang. “It can also be done in the late afternoon.”
According to Adang, mulching is crucial during an El Niño phenomenon. Given that the condition often results in extended dry periods and elevated temperatures, it is vital to cover the soil to maintain moisture levels and safeguard plant roots.
“Mulch serves as a ‘survival blanket’ that greatly minimizes evaporation from the soil surface, thereby decreasing the frequency of required watering,” Adang explains, further noting that mulching helps to keep the soil cooler, which protects delicate root systems from severe heat and alleviates heat stress on plants.
During an El Niño, water is scarce. “Proper water management planning must consider all uses of water, from the source of irrigation water to plant water use,” the Philippine Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) reminds. “It is very important to differentiate between crop water requirements and irrigation or production water system requirements.”
Vegetables are known as succulent products. In general, these consist of more than 90% water. As such, vegetables require good water supply for optimal productivity. “They are able to produce a crop during short periods of high moisture availability and respond well to controlled delivery of water, which enhances water use efficiency,” PCAARRD says. “On the contrary, drought conditions drastically reduce vegetable productivity.”
Adang recommends watering during planting. Subsequently, watering should take place every late afternoon. “Watering is necessary only once a day,” he states, “but if water is available, it can be applied in the early morning and late afternoon.”
Fertilization is another necessity during El Niño; however, it necessitates a tailored, strategic method instead of the conventional application. Given that El Niño usually results in drier conditions, elevated temperatures, and reduced water availability, improper fertilizer application can harm crops or result in resource wastage.
Adang suggests the use of organic fertilizer as it is gentler on plants, seeds, and seedlings. “Organic fertilizer also possesses a high capacity for retaining water,” he says, adding that compost materials such as vermi cast are likewise strongly recommended.
When using inorganic fertilizer, experts suggest minimizing the use of chemical nitrogen, as it can damage plants in arid soil conditions. Reducing the overall application also helps to prevent nutrient wastage. Dividing the fertilizer into smaller quantities can mitigate nutrient runoff during unexpected, sporadic rainfall or leaching.
Adang recommends against delaying when it comes to harvesting. “Harvesting should usually occur earlier during El Niño to prevent crop damage caused by drought and heat stress,” he states.
El Niño conditions generally result in below-average rainfall, elevated temperatures, and significant water shortages, which can lead to premature crop maturation, decreased crop weight, and ultimately lower yields.
When asked about additional practices he would suggest during an El Niño event, Adang replies, “It is essential to stay informed about weather forecasts from credible sources. In addition, it is wise to store farm produce for food supply at home. Ensure that you have some savings available for emergencies. Consider planting vegetables in your backyard. Utilizing water for vegetable cultivation is preferable to using it for ornamental plants. Conserve water and prioritize its usage accordingly.”
