Antique: The Antique Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) has urged farmers in the province to plant drought-resistant crops in anticipation of the El Ni±o phenomenon. Christian Dubria said in an interview on Tuesday that farmers are being urged to prepare for the potential impact of the phenomenon. However, as of now, there have been no reported damages to the agricultural sector due to water scarcity.

According to Philippines News Agency, one of the possible impacts of the El Ni±o is losses in crop production due to the water scarcity. Dubria said that drought-resistant and early-maturing rice varieties, such as Pagsanjan (PSB Rc10), are recommended for planting. It is also best that farmers insure their crops with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. for claims when damaged. Vegetables such as squash, camote, and other root crops that do not require much water are advised.

Dubria urged the Bantay Peste Brigade, which is composed of farmers and their leaders in the barangays, to report immediately to their Municipal Agriculture Office in case they detect pest infestation such as rice black bug, so this could be addressed. He also added that the Bantay Dagat task force should be on alert because El Ni±o could also affect the fishery sector, potentially causing fish kills due to the heat.