City Agriculturist’s Office (CAgrO) head Edgardo Haspe on Thursday bared that a total of 91 hectares of farmlands in Marilog District, Davao City are affected by the dry spell, which is also affecting 106 farmers.
In February this year, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced that El Niño will likely persist from March to May which will impact the agriculture sector.
“Naa tay 91 hectares affected ug 106 farmers ang nakatagamtam ug damage sa ilang mga pananum,” Haspe said during I-Speak media forum on Thursday.
Haspe said there is a possibility that more farmers and farms, particularly from Paquibato District and other areas, will be affected as the dry spell persists.
Based on data from CAgrO, El Niño costs P5,059,080 in damages to planted rice, high-value crops, and corn.
Haspe said CAgrO assisted the affected farmers by deploying power sprayers and water pumps that they can use in their farms.
CAgrO has implemented interventions such as water catchment systems to help farmers cope with El Niño and La Niña. This intervention helps by collecting and storing rainwater for agricultural and fishery purposes.
