Negros Occidental Governor Urges Rice Farmers to Conserve Water Amidst Impending El Niño

January 17, 224

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has advised rice farmers in the province to make efficient use of available water sources as they prepare for the challenges posed by the impending El Niño phenomenon in the coming months.

Governor Lacson issued this important reminder in light of the recent outlook from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), which indicates below-normal rainfall conditions in most parts of Negros Occidental for the month of January, with a dry spell expected towards the end of the month.

Lacson emphasized the significance of optimizing water resources, especially with approximately 12,000 hectares of irrigated lands in the province. He stressed the need to avoid wastage, given the current weather conditions.

To address the potential water scarcity, the province plans to employ water pumps to extract and distribute water from suitable locations. Irrigated areas will continue to receive their necessary water supply, benefiting around 60 percent of rice lands that are equipped with irrigation facilities. The province is proud to maintain an 84 percent rice self-sufficiency rate but encourages farmers to consider increasing their production.

Additionally, the provincial government has taken proactive steps by procuring 30 sets of water pumps and pipes to enhance the distribution of water supply to the irrigation system, especially for rice farmers associated with the Federation of Irrigators’ Association of Central Negros-Bago River Irrigation System. These efforts will primarily benefit farmers from Bago City, La Carlota City, Valladolid, Pulupandan, and San Enrique. Bago City, in particular, contributes over 30 percent of the total rice production in the province.

As El Niño poses an increased risk of below-normal rainfall conditions in specific regions of the country, including Negros Occidental, the PAGASA weather bureau has issued an alert. Such conditions can lead to dry spells and droughts, underscoring the urgency of Governor Lacson’s call to conserve water resources.

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