THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said most of the rice and corn crop will have been harvested by the time La Niña sets in by October.
“By that time, many parts of the country will have harvested their rice and corn,” Assistant Secretary and Spokesman Arnel V. de Mesa said in a briefing on Monday.
He added that the DA is advising rice and corn farmers to harvest early to minimize damage to their crops.
Last week, the government weather service, known as PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) said that there was a 70% chance La Niña will set in by October.
The Agriculture department is projecting palay (unmilled rice) production of 20.44 million MT this year.
“We are continually preparing (for La Niña) in our regional offices and here at the central office,” Mr. De Mesa said.
He added that the DA is fast-tracking the construction of drying, post-harvest, and water impounding facilities.
“We are also on standby with our Quick Response Fund, credit, and buffer stock of seed. These are the immediate measures that farmers can get from the DA,” he said.
Mr. De Mesa added that the department has also stocked fertilizer for handing out to calamity-hit farmers. — Adrian H. Halili
