By R. G. Antonet Go/PNA
ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Office of the City Agriculturist here said at least 84.6 hectares of assorted crops worth PHP2.5 million have been damaged by the prolonged dry spell brought about by the El Niño weather phenomenon.
Carmencita Sanchez, OIC city agriculturist, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that 73.1 hectares of the damaged area are planted with rice worth PHP2.06 million. The affected rice fields are located in the barangays of Ayala, Cabaluay, Culianan, Talabaan, Licomo, and Limaong.
Sanchez said 9.5 hectares are planted with corn worth PHP395,200; and two hectares planted with assorted vegetables worth PHP66,700.
She said damaged farms planted with corn are located in barangays Lamisahan, Sibulao and Vitali, while those planted with vegetables are situated in Cabaluay, Salaan, Manicahan, Bunguiao, and Tagasilay.
An information caravan has been conducted to help farmers cushion the effects of the El Niño, the official said.
“We will continue the advocacy so that the effects of El Niño would not drastically change the lives of our farmers because they are informed and prepared,” she said.
She added that the local government will also provide palay and vegetable seeds, food-for-work and training programs to help the farmers recover.