Agriculture takes the highest toll due to the El Nino phenomenon in Davao Region

DAVAO CITY, January 29 (PIA) The long dry spell has already taken its toll on 5,536.9 hectares of rice fields and 6,944.73 hectares of corn fields in Davao Region.

Speaking at the Kapihan sa Abreeza, Joedel Leliza, disaster risk reduction and management officer of the Department of Agriculture 11 said the total losses for rice which have a corresponding tonnage at 9,317.30 metric tons reach a total value at P140,262,498.14, while the total losses for corn which have a corresponding tonnage at 19,253.30 metric tons spread at P107,904,557.15.

He said hardest hit is the province of Davao del Sur where the intense hit affects 4,131.33 hectares, followed by Davao del Norte with 627 hectares, Compostela Valley with 330.25 hectares, Davao City with 320 hectares and Davao Oriental with ten hectares.

Leliza said the El Nino Phenomenon also hits hardest the corn production in Davao City where a total of 2,746.55 hectares with a volume at 10,201.66 metric tons pegged with a total value at P61, 577,990.00 were damaged.

It is followed by Davao del Sur, Davao del Oriental, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley, respectively.

“The Department of Agriculture 11 has already launched several cloud-seeding activity to support the need for rainwater, as we encourage farmers to plant heat-resilient variety,” he said.  

Engr. Gerry Pedrico, chief weather specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration 11 project that the long dry spell will extend towards June 2016.  (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)