ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Agriculture in the Zamboanga Peninsula (DA-9) said it is ready to implement measures to help farmers cushion the adverse effect of the El Niño phenomenon expected to hit the region in the coming months.
DA-9 Director Dennis Arpia said Monday that they see the El Niño phenomenon as an opportunity to use various technology that is already in place.
“We look at these threats as an opportunity to mobilize the farmers and maximize the technology that we have studied,” he said.
He said the farmers can always seek for their assistance.
“We will send out a technical team to teach the farmers how to address the effects of El Niño,” Arpia said, adding that farmers should plant before the start of El Niño.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-Zamboanga office has issued an advisory to be ready against the expected occurrence of the dry spell that may start in July.
Meanwhile, the DA has distributed 4,980 bags of fertilizer to the Zamboanga Sibugay provincial government for diminution to its farmers.
Ronel Colcol, the DA-9 rice program focal person, said that each fertilizer bag weighs 50 kilos and was purchased through the agency’s rice program.
He said those who have earlier received hybrid rice seeds from the DA-9 will be prioritized in the distribution of fertilizers. (PNA)
