TABUK CITY, Kalinga — The National Irrigation Administration-Kalinga Irrigation Management Office (NIA-KIMO) has advised farmers served by the Upper Chico River Irrigation System (UCRIS) to temporarily delay rice planting due to the declining water level of the Chico River.

The advisory primarily covers farmers in downstream and tail-end service areas, where irrigation has been affected by prolonged dry conditions linked to the El Niño phenomenon. The Chico River is the main water source for UCRIS.

NIA warned that the continued drop in river levels could lead to insufficient irrigation, increasing the risk of crop failure and financial losses during the current cropping season.

The advisory specifically applies to farmers in Masablang and Nambaran in Tabuk City; Cawagayan and Mapaco in Pinukpuk, Kalinga; and farming communities in Quezon and Mallig, Isabela.

To minimize losses, the agency urged affected farmers to shift temporarily to crops that require less water or are more drought-tolerant, such as vegetables, corn, mung beans and sweet potatoes.

Farmers served by the Solar Pump Irrigation System were also advised to maximize the use of their facilities and, where possible, supplement irrigation with alternative water sources, including wells and streams.

NIA said it is coordinating with local government units, irrigators’ associations, and other stakeholders to manage irrigation facilities and ensure the equitable distribution of the limited water supply.

The agency also appealed to farmers and the public to conserve water to help minimize agricultural losses and protect livelihoods during the ongoing dry spell.