DA allots Php44M for El Niño interventions in Region 9

• Source:http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=864800
• Wednesday, March 9, 2016

(PNA), ZST/TPGJR/R.G. ANTONET A. GO

ZAMBOANGA CITY, March 9 (PNA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has allocated PhP44 million to provide assistance to farmers affected by the prolonged dry spell brought about by the El Niño phenomenon here in Region 9.

Ray Anthony Credo, DA regional focal for El Niño, told the Philippines News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday that the assistance include distribution of seeds and shallow tube wells to affected farmers.

Credo said the seeds they distributed for free to farmers affected by the El Niño include rice, corn, vegetables, peanut and of high-value crops.

He said they also purchased vitamins for livestock and farm animals.

He said that PhP92.3 million worth of crops have been damaged in the different parts of region by the prolonged dry spell.

The province of Zamboanga del Sur, he said has incurred the highest damage at PhP31 million. The affected towns were Aurora, Bayog, Dumalinao, Mahayag, Midsalip, Ramon Magsaysay and Tabina.

He also said that PhP26.5 million worth of rice and corn crops were damaged in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, specifically in the town of Labason.

In this city, PhP21.7 million of crops and fruits were destroyed by the prolonged dry spell.

Meanwhile, some PhP13.1 million worth of crops were damaged in Zamboanga Sibugay province, particularly in the municipality of Diplahan.

Credo said that they prioritized in providing assistance to affected local farmers since it is only this city has declared under state of calamity.

In the meantime, he said they encouraged farmers to shift to short gestation crops such as mung bean in order for them to have income even during the El Niño phenomenon.