TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Farmers being served by the Upper Chico River Irrigation System (UCRIS) in Kalinga were told to temporarily stop planting rice by the National Irrigation Administration–Kalinga Irrigation Management Office.

The advisory is directed particularly at those in downstream and tail-end service areas due to a continuous decline in the water level of the Chico River caused by the El Niño phenomenon. According to the agency, the Chico River is the primary water source for the irrigation system.

Prolonged dry conditions have significantly reduced river levels, raising concerns over water availability for the current cropping season. Officials warned that planting rice under these conditions could result in widespread crop failure and financial losses for farmers.

The advisory specifically covers farmers in the downstream and tail-end service areas of Masablang and Nambaran in Tabuk City, and Cawagayan and Mapaco in Pinukpuk, Kalinga. It also applies to farming communities in Quezon and Mallig in Isabela.

To mitigate risks, the agency is encouraging affected farmers to cultivate alternative crops that require less water or are tolerant to dry conditions. Recommended alternatives include vegetables, corn, mung beans, and sweet potatoes, which can still provide food and income during the dry season.

NIA Kalinga urged farmers covered by the Solar Pump Irrigation System to maximize the efficiency of their equipment. When available, they are advised to supplement their water supply using alternative sources such as wells and streams.

The agency stated that it is coordinating with local government units, irrigators’ associations, and other stakeholders to manage irrigation facilities and distribute the limited water supply equitably. Officials called on farmers and the public to cooperate in water conservation efforts to minimize agricultural losses and support local livelihoods during the ongoing dry spell.