DAVAO CITY — Two districts in this city where major cash crops are situated will be the focus of the local government’s measures in preparation for the forecasted El Niño season.

The dry season is expected to last from the last quarter of this year to the first quarter of 2024, endangering the supply of food crops as the risk of pestilence and plant diseases is expected to become more prevalent.

Davao City Agriculturists Office head Edgardo Haspe disclosed that 13 barangays in the agricultural districts of Marilog and Paquibato will be their focus as they are the most vulnerable areas in the city in terms of agricultural lands.

The most profitable agricultural products or cash crops — rice, corn and vegetables are largely produced in Paquibato and Marilog districts.

“These crops need a large amount of water to thrive. These districts and other areas to be identified as vulnerable to the effects of the dry season will be prioritized in terms of quick response measures,” Haspe said.