Dry spell affects 24 of 40 Kidapawan villages

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- The dry spell has taken its toll on farmers in 24 of the 40 villages of this city, the city agriculture office said Wednesday.

Acting City Agriculturist Marisa Aton said about 800 hectares of agricultural lands have dried up due to the low amount of rainfall in the past three months.

“The weather phenomenon has already affected some 800 farmers who rely mainly on farming,” Aton told reporters here.

She said the number of those affected may increase further as the El Niño phenomenon is expected to hit hard later in May or early June.

“Among the heavily-affected crops are palay, corn, banana and various vegetables that the city is known for,” Aton said.
She estimated the damages to hit PHP49 million as of March 2.

The city government is still gathering data for a possible potential state of calamity declaration because of the drought.

Four towns in North Cotabato -- M’lang, Alamada, Aleosan, and Pikit – have been placed under a state of calamity since last week. (PNA)