The Department of Agriculture (DA) is ramping up preparations for possible El Niño impact, focusing on water management, irrigation support and production measures to prevent disruptions in the country’s food supply.

The agency said it is reactivating its national El Niño team under a multi-agency approach that covers food security, water resources, energy, health and public safety as the government prepares for prolonged dry conditions.

DA Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols Manalo said managing available water resources will be critical in protecting agricultural production during the dry spell.

The most important thing is water management

“The most important (thing) during El Niño is the management of available water,” Manalo said during the recent midyear food and agribusiness conference organized by the University of Asia and the Pacific Center for Food and Agri Business.

The DA is prioritizing key commodities by adjusting planting schedules, rehabilitating irrigation systems and improving farm water management to reduce potential losses caused by limited rainfall.

Manalo said El Niño could affect not only crops but also livestock and fisheries, prompting the government to strengthen animal health programs and advise fish farmers to avoid overstocking ponds that could lead to heat-related fish deaths.

Enhancing agricultural interventions

The agency is also enhancing existing agricultural interventions, including improved fertilizer use, fishery feeding programs and livestock vaccination efforts to minimize pest and disease risks during the dry period.

Manalo said the government will continue distributing seeds, fertilizers and water pumps to farmers, while seeking additional funding to cover fuel expenses needed to operate irrigation equipment.

“If we are going to distribute pumping engines, we are proposing to ask for (additional) funds to include fuel costs because diesel is expensive. We need to ensure that if the DA, the government, provides the engines, we also provide the fuel so they (the farmers) can actually use them,” he said in Filipino.

Diversify food sources

Beyond emergency measures, Manalo said the DA is encouraging farmers and consumers to diversify food sources by promoting alternative crops and commodities such as white corn, root crops, various fish species and indigenous vegetables.