BACOLOD City – The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) is validating reports on the damage caused by extreme heat to rice farms in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.
Provincial Agriculturist Japhet Masculino said the farm damage reached millions, citing initial reports.
According to Masculino, the lack of water in the municipality “might be an effect of the upcoming summer season, intensified by the El Niño phenomenon.”
He added that the OPA is also monitoring other localities in the province.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration advisory last month said a mild El Niño already hit some provinces in the country, including Negros Occidental.
El Niño is a weather phenomenon associated with reduced rainfall.
Masculino said extreme heat will be felt this March, adding that OPA is fast-tracking the procurement of irrigation pumps for areas that need water.
OPA also has available vegetable planting materials that will be distributed to farmers.
“We are optimistic that calamities would not hugely impact the province’s overall agriculture production, especially rice,” Masculino added. (With a report from PNA/PN)
