Legazpi city: The Department of Agriculture (DA) 5 in Bicol is ramping up its contingency plans to mitigate the impact of El Ni±o on the region's agricultural sector, striving to maintain farm production and safeguard farmers against the anticipated prolonged dry spell expected later this year.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA-5 Technical Director for Operations Robella Naldo emphasized during a press conference on Thursday that the agency's primary focus is on enabling farmers to continue planting despite potential water shortages due to the extended dry conditions. To tackle this challenge, DA-5 is enhancing production-support interventions, working closely with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to bolster irrigation support, and developing additional contingency plans to reduce El Ni±o's impact on farm productivity.

In addressing the dual challenge of supply requirements and the protection of local producers, Naldo highlighted the agency's commitment to balancing these priorities. The measures aim to provide a safety net for farmers while ensuring a steady supply of agricultural produce.

The agency's spokesperson, Lovella Guarin, noted that DA-5 has prepositioned necessary resources such as rice, corn, and vegetable seeds, along with other farming inputs, for prompt distribution. This preparation is crucial as a threatening typhoon looms over the region, potentially impacting about 80,000 hectares of standing rice and high-value crops. Additionally, approximately 26,795 hectares of rice fields are at risk of flooding.

Guarin further advised farmers to relocate livestock to safer locations, secure farming equipment, and adhere to evacuation advisories from local authorities as part of the disaster preparedness measures. The proactive steps taken by DA-5 aim to protect the agricultural sector from the compounded threats of El Ni±o and impending adverse weather conditions.