In preparation for the expected prolonged dry season due to strong El Nino early this year, the Ilocos Norte local government unit launched a fuel subsidy program to ensure local farmers’ quality agricultural yield during the period.

Led by Batac City Mayor Albert Chua, the program, which began on Wednesday, is intended to minimize production expenses while maintaining high crop production during the dry spell.

The program is expected to benefit 6,212 farmers who are listed in the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture, a database for agricultural workers that serves as a targeting mechanism for the identification of beneficiaries for different agriculture-related programs and services of the LGU.

To determine the amount of fuel to be subsidized, the Batac City LGU said each farmer was verified based on the kind of crop they plant, the amount of fuel needed per hectare, and the size of their land area, with each beneficiary given a minimum of four liters of fuel.

Farming inputs provision

Besides the fuel subsidy program, the LGU will also continue to provide farming inputs, including fertilizers, micronutrients, and hybrid seeds, to the farmers.

Affected provinces

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported early in January that 14 provinces are predicted to experience a dry spell, with most of the affected areas being provinces in Northern and Central Luzon, including Ilocos Norte.

At least 27 provinces will be affected by El Niño in February, and this may increase to 44 by March. It is forecast to peak at 56 in April, said PAGASA.

Meanwhile, temperatures in the Northern Luzon area may rise to up to 40 degrees Celsius during this season, the weather bureau noted.