ILOILO City — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has urged Western Visayas farmers to shift to drought-resilient vegetables and root crops as prolonged dry conditions threaten farm productivity and food supply in the region.
To help sustain agricultural production despite limited rainfall during the dry season, DA released a list of crops that can survive intense heat and require less water, while also offering stable market demand and nutritional value.
Among the crops recommended by the agency are monggo (mung bean), kadyos (pigeon pea), okra, paayap, peanuts, cassava, and sweet potato.
DA said these crops are practical options for farmers because many are commonly available in markets or household surroundings, making them easier to reproduce and cultivate even under harsh weather conditions.
Monggo was identified as one of the best crops for dry-season farming because it can be harvested within 60 to 70 days and requires only minimal water.
“As a legume, may kapasidad ini nga magdugang sang nutrients sa duta, gani naga-ayo ang fertility bisan kulang sa tubig,” the agency explained, noting that mung bean roots can draw water from deeper layers of soil.
The agency also highlighted kadyos for its deep root system and high resistance to heat, adding that it can improve soil fertility and be planted as an intercrop to provide additional income to farmers.
Okra was likewise cited as highly suitable for dry conditions because of its ability to thrive under high temperatures with little water requirement. DA noted that its strong taproot system allows it to access underground moisture.
Peanuts were also recommended because they grow well in sandy, well-drained soil and can survive with limited rainfall, although adequate soil moisture remains necessary during flowering and pod development stages.
Cassava and sweet potato were identified as important food security crops due to their ability to withstand prolonged dry spells.
“Isa ini sa pinakamaayo sa tag-ilinit bangod nga kaya ini magbuhi sa malawig nga tion nga kulang sa tubig,” DA said of cassava, noting its deep roots and water-saving characteristics.
Earlier, DA-Western Visayas Regional Technical Director for Operations Maria Teresa Solis also encouraged farmers to venture into high-value crops during the summer season.
“Tungod summer season na subong, malipay gid ang aton farmers nga magtanum sang sibuayas, kamatis, pakbet nga vegetables and cucumber kag ang mga melon, water melon, kag kamatis,” Solis said.
To support farmers, DA said it is distributing seedlings through Provincial Agriculture Offices (PAOs), which coordinate with local government units for proper allocation to beneficiaries.
The agency is also conducting training sessions in partnership with PAOs and Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs) to equip farmers with updated knowledge and technology on vegetable farming amid the dry season./PN
