NIA Region II steps up measures against possible El Niño water shortages

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region II is preparing irrigation systems and water-management measures amid the potential effects of El Niño, with officials focusing on possible water shortages that could affect farmers across the region.

NIA Region II Regional Manager Raymundo B. Apil met with division managers of its Irrigation Management Offices (IMOs), as well as engineering, operations and institutional development personnel, on October 5 at the regional office in Camasi, Peñablanca, Cagayan, to discuss the agency’s preparations.

The measures include efforts to identify and augment available water sources, improve the distribution of existing supplies and adjust irrigation practices based on water availability.

NIA said it is coordinating with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., Department of the Interior and Local Government, local government units and other agencies to address the possible effects of prolonged dry conditions.

Among the proposed interventions are the establishment of shallow tube wells and the use of Mobile Solar Pump Irrigation Projects as alternative sources of irrigation water in areas that may experience shortages.

The agency is also promoting Alternate Wetting and Drying, along with irrigation rotation and scheduling, to reduce unnecessary water use and maximize available supplies.

Its engineering and operations personnel are conducting canal desiltation, clearing, rehabilitation and maintenance activities to improve the conveyance and distribution of irrigation water.

NIA Region II is also looking at crop diversification as part of its response, including the promotion of crops considered more suitable to prevailing water and weather conditions. Officials are expected to provide guidance on cropping calendars and planting schedules and assist in linking farmers with potential markets and institutional buyers.

The measures come as prolonged dry conditions pose potential risks to irrigation-dependent farms, particularly in areas where available water supplies may decline.

NIA officials said coordination among irrigation offices and partner agencies would be important in determining how available water is allocated and in responding to areas where shortages emerge.

The agency’s preparations also highlight the need for farmers to adjust planting schedules and crop choices according to projected water availability rather than relying solely on regular irrigation schedules.

For irrigation systems already operating under limited water supplies, NIA’s measures are intended to prioritize efficient use of available water while maintaining support for agricultural production.

The agency said it will continue monitoring irrigation water availability and implementing engineering, operational and agricultural interventions as conditions develop.

The regional office has also called for timely action from its field offices as it prepares for possible reductions in irrigation water supply associated with El Niño.