Manila:The agricultural sector in the Philippines is facing significant challenges as it braces for the impact of the El Niño phenomenon, which has already resulted in billions of pesos in production losses.

According to Philippines News Agency, the extreme heat associated with El Niño is yet to reach its peak, but the consequences are already being felt across the country's farms. Filipino farmers are experiencing declines in harvests, leading to reduced profits. Anthony Francisco, a palay farmer from San Miguel, Bulacan, expressed his concerns about the looming "super El Niño" and its potential to exacerbate these issues.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is actively seeking solutions to mitigate the impact of the extreme heat. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. supports the proposal to declare a state of calamity, which would facilitate aid delivery. The DA is also awaiting the release of an additional PHP5 billion El Niño response fund for projects like solar irrigation and cold storage, expected by October or early November.

This funding is intended to enhance irrigation and storage capabilities, helping to support the production of key crops such as palay, corn, vegetables, and sugarcane. DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa emphasized the importance of early procurement and implementation of these projects to assist affected areas, particularly in the first quarter of next year.

The PHP5-billion funding is part of a larger effort, including an earlier release of PHP6.2 billion under the UPLIFT program, aimed at providing fertilizer support and fuel aid. The DA is also advocating for a higher El Niño response budget in 2027, targeting over PHP60 billion to address the prolonged drought effects.

In addition to financial support, the DA is implementing other interventions such as cloud-seeding, drought-resistant crops, and alternative cropping methods. Farmers unable to plant in the next season may receive support through livelihood programs in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Labor and Employment.

Currently, the agriculture sector has reported PHP8.57 billion in damages, affecting approximately 288,000 farmers across various sectors. The DA projects potential losses of about PHP20 billion due to the strong El Niño, with up to 2.8 million farmers and fishers at risk in a worst-case scenario.