Production losses caused by the prolonged dry spell already reached P5.32 billion as of March 7, the Agriculture Department said Friday.
DA said that the El Niño phenomenon already affected 237,214 hectares of agricultural lands and 129,137 farmers nationwide.
Damage to corn sector reached 223,785 metric tons valued at P2.9 billion.
DA said the prolonged dry spell likewise damaged 131,648 metric tons of rice with a total value of P2.4 billion.
Damage to high-value crops reached P27.6 million while damage to livestock amounted to P11,477.
DA said it already conducted a massive information and education drive to create awareness on the El Niño phenomenon and its impact on food and agriculture, and health and the environment.
The Department is also encouraging the maximization of production in non-vulnerable areas.
DA said its Regional Field Offices already distributed 3,059 bags of hybrid seeds, 24,066 bags of rice certified seeds, 150 bags of soil ameliorants, and crop insurance to affected farmers.
“For corn, RFOs distributed hybrid seeds, OPV seeds and yellow corn,” DA said.
DA said it also distributed drought-resistant assorted vegetable seeds to augment food support and additional income.
For the livestock sector, DA also provided vaccines and various vet drugs and biologics.
To address water scarcity in vulnerable areas due to low water levels in reservoirs, DA distributed units of pump irrigation equipment for open source or replecement for damaged pumps.
The Department also distributed shallow tube wells and constructed small water impounding and diversion dams.
