MANILA: The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has announced comprehensive preparations to mitigate the potential impacts of Tropical Storm Kristine on the agricultural sector. NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen, speaking at the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas briefing, stated that regional offices are on high alert to provide immediate assistance to farmers in affected areas.
According to Philippines News Agency, Guillen emphasized the importance of early harvesting and water management strategies, instructing regional directors to advise farmers to harvest crops prematurely. Additionally, measures have been put in place to manage water levels in major dams, with pre-release of water to accommodate incoming heavy rainfall. Guillen confirmed the availability of a PHP300 million quick response fund for necessary repairs and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities, and noted that farmers have access to indemnity through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.
The Department of Agriculture-Disaster Risk Re
duction and Management Operations Center has identified approximately 1.311 million hectares of standing crops that could be affected by the storm across several regions, including the Cordillera and Ilocos Regions, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, and Caraga. This comprises 1,103,582 hectares of rice and 207,442 hectares of corn.
In response to recurring weather challenges, Guillen reiterated the urgency of altering the country’s cropping calendar and intensity. He advocated for a shift in planting periods to protect crops from typhoon damage, suggesting an adjustment to cropping seasons from October to February and March to July. This strategy aims to enhance yields, potentially allowing farmers to harvest up to eight to 12 tons per hectare, aligning with food security goals under the Marcos administration.
Guillen highlighted ongoing initiatives, including a pilot launch of the revised cropping calendar in all regions and the promotion of alternate wetti
ng and drying technology alongside solar-powered irrigation projects. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve local agricultural productivity.