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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