Eastern Visayas absorbs P300M agri losses due to El Niño

TACLOBAN CITY — The El Niño-induced dry spell has caused an estimated P300 million in agricultural losses in Eastern Visayas, affecting more than 6,400 farmers and nearly 8,000 hectares of farmland, mostly planted with rice, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported.

Rodel Mapacapañas, DA-8 acting regional executive director, said crop yields in affected famrs were reduced.

He clarified, however, that farmers in the affected areas were still able to harvest their crops, although production was lower than expected.

“Based on our monitoring, most of the nearly 8,000 hectares severely affected by El Niño have still produced harvests, but yields have declined,” Mapacapañas said in an interview.

The DA official said the agency was also anticipating a possible decline in Eastern Visayas’ rice production this year from its earlier forecast of 964,000 metric tons.

He declined to provide an estimate of the expected production shortfall.

Mapacapañas said around 30,000 hectares of the region’s more than 150,000 hectares of rice fields had been identified as moderately to severely affected by the weather phenomenon.

The effects of El Niño are expected to persist until the first quarter of 2027, prompting the DA to intensify measures to help farmers cope with prolonged dry conditions and protect agricultural production.

Among the interventions being considered or implemented are the distribution of climate-resilient rice seeds and fertilizers, as well as the construction of additional solar-powered irrigation systems in areas with sufficient water sources.

On Friday, Mapacapañas joined other regional officials in witnessing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s inauguration of a P91-million solar-powered irrigation system in Barangay Tugbong, Kananga, Leyte.

The project is expected to benefit 66 farmers and provide irrigation to 115 hectares of rice fields.

Mapacapañas said the project was timely as the region prepares for the worsening effects of El Niño, which has raised concerns about water availability and agricultural production.

“This is timely, considering that we are preparing for El Niño. Part of our action plan is to ensure that our production areas have access to irrigation water,” he said.

He added that while Eastern Visayas was also experiencing the effects of El Niño, the region continued to receive some rainfall, although the amount had declined.

The DA assured farmers that it would continue implementing interventions to reduce the effects of prolonged dry conditions on their crops and livelihoods. /gsg