NorMin secures 204-day rice buffer

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY —The Department of Agriculture Regional Office 10 has intensified climate coordination and production planning across Northern Mindanao to protect the region’s food security ahead of an expected El Niño-driven dry spell.

Regional director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan said the agency is partnering with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration to obtain localized weather tracking down to the village level.

Officials plan to use the data to optimize crop selection and allocate planting materials directly to high-risk areas.

Detailed, village-level weather information is critical because it reveals exactly which areas will face the greatest impact, allowing the agency to direct resources where they are needed most and keep farmers prepared, Pacamalan cited.

The proactive measure comes as the region operates under a daily deficit of 5,000 to 6,000 50-kilogram sacks of rice.

Despite the daily shortfall, regional rice reserves remain stable, holding approximately 204 days’ worth of consumption stock.

Agricultural mappers have identified roughly 49,000 hectares of rice fields as highly vulnerable to diminished rainfall, while more than 88,000 hectares show lower vulnerability risk.