ADDRESSING DROUGHT. Provincial agriculturist Norma Lagmay on Thursday (Sept. 24, 2020) says over 2,000 hectares of farmlands in Ilocos Norte are affected by drought and pests. Initial report shows there are 2,726 farmers affected. (PNA photo by Leilanie G. Adriano)
LAOAG CITY – Over 2,000 hectares of farmlands covering at least 11 towns and 2 cities in the province have dried up due to pest and drought, a provincial agriculturist said on Thursday.
Based on initial report from field validators, agriculturist Norma Lagmay said most of the damaged crops include rice and high value crops which are planted in rain-fed areas in the towns of Bacarra, Badoc, Bangui, Burgos, Currimao, Marcos, Pasuquin, Piddig, Pinili, Sarrat and Vintar including the cities of Laoag and Batac.
“A provincewide validation is ongoing as we have received reports on pest and drought damages. The initial report shows it has already affected around 2,726 farmers,” Lagmay said in a press conference at the Capitol.
But even before the consolidated report has yet to reach the office, Lagmay said the provincial government has started to distribute aid to the affected farmers.
These include farm machineries, fruit and vegetable seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, among others.
Lagmay said because of the drought, insects also easily multiply.
For areas that were hit by pests like brown plant hopper and bacterial leaf blight, she said farmers may consider spraying them with appropriate copper-based insecticide if the damage can still be managed.
Cynthia Iglesia, chief meteorological officer of the Laoag Synop Airport Upper Air Station of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), she said the amount of rainfall in Ilocos Norte for the past few months is way below normal.
However, she said there is La Niña alert which is expected from October to November. (PNA)
