Mitigating the Impact of El Niño: Assessing Agricultural Damage in Negros Oriental

March 12, 2024

In Negros Oriental, the relentless grip of the El Niño phenomenon has inflicted substantial damage to vital agricultural crops, leaving farmers grappling with significant losses. Alejandro Rafal, the head of the Department of Agriculture-Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO), revealed alarming figures indicating that the drought-induced El Niño has ravaged rice, corn, and other high-value crops, amounting to a staggering PHP77 million in damages.

The impact of the drought is starkly evident across various municipalities in Negros Oriental. Bayawan City, for instance, has borne the brunt of the agricultural devastation, with losses totaling over PHP30 million. The plight of 792 rice and corn farmers underscores the widespread repercussions of the drought on livelihoods and food security in the region. Similarly, in Mabinay town, agricultural losses amounting to roughly PHP18 million have left 550 rice farmers reeling from the economic fallout.

Zamboanguita paints a grim picture of the agricultural crisis, with the dry spell wreaking havoc on 430 hectares of rice and irrigation infrastructure valued at PHP27.9 million. The severity of the drought has reached alarming levels, leading to the incapacitation of crucial irrigation systems and exacerbating the challenges faced by farmers.

Even in the northernmost reaches of Vallehermoso, the adverse effects of El Niño are palpable, with damages estimated at PHP1 million. The plight of 88 farmers, encompassing rice, corn, high-value crops, and livestock, underscores the far-reaching consequences of the agricultural crisis gripping the region.

Despite the grim realities on the ground, efforts are underway to assess and mitigate the impact of the drought. Local government units have initiated the submission of drought damage assessment reports, laying the groundwork for targeted interventions to alleviate the plight of affected farmers. The Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with other government agencies, is poised to provide crucial aid to farmers grappling with the aftermath of the El Niño-induced agricultural crisis.

Government interventions, including the distribution of seeds for intercropping and temporary crop replacement, offer a glimmer of hope amidst the adversity. These measures aim to bolster resilience and assist farmers in navigating the challenges posed by the abnormal weather patterns.

Looking ahead, there is a pressing need for concerted action to address the long-term implications of El Niño on agricultural sustainability. The recent signing of Executive Order No. 53 underscores the government’s commitment to streamlining disaster preparedness and rehabilitation efforts in response to El Niño and La Niña. By implementing comprehensive and proactive measures, policymakers aim to mitigate the devastating effects of climatic anomalies and safeguard the livelihoods of vulnerable farming communities.

As Negros Oriental grapples with the profound repercussions of El Niño, concerted efforts are needed to bolster resilience, enhance adaptive capacities, and foster sustainable agricultural practices. Through collaborative action and targeted interventions, stakeholders can work towards building a more resilient and food-secure future for the region, ensuring that farmers are equipped to withstand the challenges posed by climate variability.

For additional information and further reading, refer to the original article here.