Baguio: The Department of Agriculture (DA) is promoting its project on strengthening the farming community's understanding of climate change. Crisante Rosario, focal person of the climate change adaptation program of the DA-Cordillera, said on Friday that this would enable farmers to make the right decisions on when to plant, what to plant, and whether to harvest early.
According to Philippines News Agency, Rosario explained in an interview that a climate change forum was held on Thursday, attended by farmer leaders and municipal agriculturists in the Cordillera region. The forum included a seminar, orientation, and a sharing-of-knowledge session to help farmers become adept in the subject and inform their farming operations.
During the 2023-2024 strong El Ni±o, the region's corn, rice, and vegetable farms experienced a massive drought, resulting in PHP1.2 billion in losses due to stunted plant growth. Rosario highlighted the tangible effects of climate change, such as water shortages or oversupply, which damage crops.
The DA is advocating for tools that support decisions based on climate vulnerability assessments and maps that help planners identify suitable planting areas and prioritize agricultural programs and projects. The Agroclimatic Advisory portal, linked to PAGASA, is a key tool for farmers. Available on mobile phones, it provides notifications with seasonal and special weather forecasts and suggests possible farming actions or practices.
Rosario emphasized the importance of crop programming during extraordinary weather systems, stating that certain crops can only be planted at specific times. Engineer Larry Esperanza, a weather specialist at the PAGASA-Baguio synoptic station, noted that climate change is a global issue, affecting water supply depending on the season.
Esperanza explained that understanding climate change helps farmers track typhoon intensity, which aids in crop protection. He also mentioned the frost phenomenon, now occurring later in the year, affecting traditional cropping seasons. By understanding climate change, farmers can plan better, ensuring good harvests and boosting food production.
