LAOAG CITY – Local government units (LGUs) across the Ilocos Region are intensifying assistance to farmers and improving access to water resources as the El Niño phenomenon threatens agricultural production and rural livelihoods.
In Batac City, for example, 1,100 water pumps and 890 irrigation hoses were distributed to registered farmers on Wednesday, as part of continuing government interventions to cushion the impact of prolonged dry conditions, ensure sufficient water for irrigation, and help farmers sustain crop production despite declining water availability.
During the distribution held at the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office in Barangay Quiling Sur, Mayor Mark Christian Chua appealed to farmers to take good care of the agricultural equipment.
“Agriculture remains our top priority in the City of Batac. We are giving you capital, so please, let us work hard and take good care of the equipment given to you,” Chua said.
Aside from providing water pumps and other agricultural equipment, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte is also focusing on rehabilitating and improving irrigation facilities, developing alternative water sources, and distributing agricultural inputs to affected farmers.
LGUs are also encouraging farmers to adopt climate-resilient farming practices, consider alternative crops that require less water, and maximize available resources to minimize production losses.
The initiatives highlight the important role of local governments in coordinating with national agencies and farming communities to address the effects of extreme weather conditions.
Acting provincial agriculturist Teresa Bacnat said several farmers in the province have reported rice damage due to the drought.
“We have received reports from farmers in Pasuquin and Vintar with damage due to drought,” she said.
Most of the affected areas are rice fields with no access to irrigation facilities.
The Department of Agriculture – Ilocos Region reported that as of Nov. 3, a total of 5,862 farmers and about 2,470.78 hectares of farmland have been affected, translating into approximately PHP228.46 million in agricultural losses. (PNA)
