By Roel Amazona
TACLOBAN CITY – The National Irrigation Administration in Eastern Visayas (NIA-8) has assured rice farmers that it will take all measures to address water supply problems as some facilities in the region begin to experience declining water availability ahead of the anticipated very strong El Niño.
NIA-8 Operations Section chief Haydee Amante said on Tuesday the agency is preparing mitigation measures to help farmers cope with prolonged dry conditions.
She also urged farmers to cooperate with the agency to ensure the efficient distribution of available irrigation water.
“We should not take this lightly. We must prepare now to prevent severe impacts, as we also expect our water supply to decrease further,” Amante said.
“At NIA, we will do everything we can to ensure that water reaches the farmers. We only ask them to attend meetings so they will be informed of any changes,” she added.
Amante noted that although some areas in Eastern Visayas continue to experience afternoon rains, the rainfall has not been sufficient to significantly replenish water supplies in dams.
NIA-8 is closely monitoring the condition of its irrigation facilities and coordinating with other government agencies and local government units to identify appropriate measures to minimize the impact of potential water shortages on agricultural production.
If drought conditions worsen, the agency is considering installing shallow tube wells in farmlands to provide additional water for crops.
NIA-8 is also coordinating with the Department of Agriculture to explore possible alternative livelihood assistance for rice farmers whose fields may become unsuitable for rice cultivation due to insufficient water supply.
Amante said some farmers have already begun shifting from rice to alternative crops, such as sweet potatoes and corn, which generally require less water to grow.
She encouraged farmers to maintain close coordination with NIA-8, particularly by attending consultations and meetings where irrigation schedules and other water management measures will be discussed.
The agency also urged farmers to adopt water-saving practices and work together in managing available irrigation resources to ensure the efficient distribution of water among farming communities.
NIA-8 provides irrigation water to about 22,000 hectares of agricultural land through its irrigation systems across Eastern Visayas, while another 26,000 hectares are served by communal irrigation systems. (PNA)
Caption:
READY FOR EL NIÑO. An irrigation canal of the National Irrigation Administration in Alangalang, Leyte in this file photo. NIA-Eastern Visayas has assured rice farmers that it will take all measures to address water supply problems amid the anticipated very strong El Niño. (PNA photo by Roel Amazona)
