Davao:The Department of Agriculture-Davao Region (DA-11) has allocated PHP678 million for maximizing rice production in areas less susceptible to El Niño, specifically targeting Davao del Norte and Davao Occidental.
According to Philippines News Agency, Joedel Leliza, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) focal person, identified Davao del Norte as the least vulnerable province to El Niño this year. As part of their strategy, the DA has initiated measures to boost rice production in this area, aiming for a 20 to 30 percent increase in production during the second semester.
The DA has implemented El Niño mitigation plans in collaboration with the National Irrigation Administration-Davao (NIA-11). Leliza highlighted the need to protect rice fields, noting that if water levels in irrigation systems fall to 0.5 or 0.6 meters, a rotational release of water will be implemented. Additionally, open surface pumps are ready to supply water as needed.
The agency has a total budget of PHP729.1 million under its El Niño Action Plan, which includes PHP40.41 million for preparatory activities and PHP9.97 million for sustaining production in vulnerable areas. To further support these efforts, the agency has requested PHP268.5 million from the national office's Quick Response Fund for the Moisture Stress Rehabilitation Plan and additional resources for the El Niño Mitigation Plan.
Data from DA-11 DRRM indicates that, as of October, moisture stress has caused crop damage exceeding PHP584.6 million and affected 6,205 farmers in the region. Leliza pointed out that Davao de Oro is the most affected province by moisture stress.
