The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) announced on Wednesday that despite the scorching heat brought by the El Niño phenomenon, only 1% of vulnerable rice fields in the Philippines have been affected.
NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen reported this during a public briefing, stating that the agency has implemented irrigation measures to mitigate El Niño’s impact.
The assessment contrasts with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s report of over P1 billion in agricultural damage due to El Niño.
Guillen attributed the minimal impact to NIA’s adoption of the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technique, which reduces water consumption in irrigated fields.
The technique has enabled NIA to save 20% to 30% of water usage. With an increased budget, NIA plans to build facilities, install solar pump irrigation systems, and provide aid to farmers in collaboration with other government agencies.
Guillen emphasized that despite El Niño, sufficient irrigation allows for rice cultivation. The NIA has been preparing for the El Niño since July last year to ensure rice sufficiency for Filipinos.
Source: PhilNews24 | March 7, 2024
