SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija — Experts of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) have asked farmers to adopt practices that would help mitigate the effects of the La Niña weather phenomenon.
Dr. Jasper G. Tallada, climate change expert and supervising science research specialist of PhilRice’s Rice Engineering and Mechanization Division, said that while there was no early sign of the detrimental effects of La Niña until March, farmers should always be prepared and alert.
“The effects of La Niña vary around the world. In the Philippines, it brings more rains while in other countries, the usual effect can also be drought. Local farmers need not panic as what we might be experiencing until March are just slight effects of La Niña. After that, everything would return to the neutral condition,” Tallada said.
He, however, advised the farmers to regularly check updates on La Niña and other extreme weather conditions that can affect their rice farming.
Dr. Ricardo F. Orge, lead of the PhilRice’s Climate Resiliency for Enhanced Agricultural Trade and Efficiency for Rice (CREATE Rice) program, meanwhile, encouraged farmers to use submergence-tolerant varieties, such as the NSIC Rc 68 (Sacobia) and NSIC Rc 194 (Submarino 1), as they survive despite being soaked in water for days.
“They should also plan their planting schedule very well to avoid torrential rains and strong winds that can cause damages to crops,” Orge said.
The two experts likewise cited the need for farmers to repair drainage canals and dikes, and ensure an effective water management system in the field to avoid pest infestation and diseases that are prevalent during La Niña.
They also encouraged farmers to plant trees around their fields that would serve as wind breakers for crops during strong winds.
Orge and Tallada also noted the effectiveness of using mechanical dryers in drying crops, the establishment of floating gardens for water-soaked areas, and the use of small farm reservoir to store rainwater that could be used by farmers in the next planting seasons. (PNA)
