Thursday, March 26, 2015

Davao City LGU monitoring El Nino impact



DAVAO CITY- The City Agriculturist Office of the local government of Davao is monitoring the effects of El Nino among the agricultural sector.

Rocelio Tabay, City Agriculturist says that El Nino is already being felt particularly among farmers of annual crops (rice corn, vegetables) who have planted in the months of January and February. He says farmers farther away from sources of water is more affected than those whose farms are near water.

He says they have formally requested the Department of Agriculture for cloud seeding and based on his follow-up the department is validating the request.

Though grazing livestock are not yet affected, Tabay said the dry spell will eventually dry out the grasses which the animals will forage. He bared that field workers has monitored decreasing water levels in the creeks of Los Amigos which is the home of the City's catfish (pantat) industry.

Tabay said the CAO can assist the affected farmers by packaging project proposals where they can submit to concerned agencies for assistance.

Tabay has encouraged farmers now that farmers can plant root crops such as camote, cassava and gabi which can withstand drought.

Engineer Gerry Pedrico of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration- XI (PAGASA-XI) has confirmed the onset of a weak El Nino which has contributed to the dry spell. (PIA/RG Alama)

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