DUMAGUETE CITY — The Agricultural Services Advisory Unit has released an official advisory urging smallholder farmers, agrarian reform beneficiaries, and livestock raisers across Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental to adopt urgent survival measures against peak El Niño conditions. Prolonged dry spells and elevated temperatures threaten agricultural
productivity across rain-fed lowland and upland communities.
Facing the Dry Spell
DOST-PAGASA and the Department of Agriculture have reported below-normal rainfall and increased evaporation rates across the Visayas. While Dumaguete's urban-fringe barangays benefit from groundwater aquifers, surrounding municipalities like Bayawan, Mabinay, Guihulngan, and Sta. Catalina face heightened risks of crop stress and soil moisture depletion.
The advisory emphasizes that immediate action is needed to safeguard food security and protect rural livelihoods. Farmers must implement water-saving methods, adopt drought-tolerant cropping patterns, and utilize government assistance networks available through city and provincial agriculture offices.
Strategic Water Management
Water scarcity is the primary limiting factor during peak El Niño. Farmers in irrigated lowlands are urged to implement Alternate Wetting and Drying, using perforated PVC pipes to monitor water levels and irrigate only when levels drop 15 centimeters below the soil surface. This reduces consumption by up to 30 percent.
High-value crop producers should shift to drip irrigation or micro-sprinklers, directing water to root zones and minimizing evaporation. Rain-fed farmers are encouraged to maintain Small Farm Reservoirs and catch residual rainfall through temporary catchments or plastic-lined basins. Irrigation associations must coordinate with NIA for rotational schedules.
Climate-Smart Crop Adjustments
Continuing standard cropping schedules during prolonged heat leads to high failure rates. Farmers should shift to short-duration, drought-tolerant rice varieties certified by PhilRice, or plant short-period corn hybrids and sorghum. Diversifying into mungbean, peanut, cowpea, and sweet potato adds resilience.
Mulching with rice straw or dried leaves blocks sunlight, cuts evaporation, and suppresses weeds. Reduced tillage preserves subsurface moisture, while incorporating vermicompost or biochar enhances soil retention. Farmers must also monitor for sap-sucking insects, armyworms, and locusts, reporting sightings to the City Agriculture Office immediately.
Livestock Health Safeguards
Heat stress reduces growth rates and increases mortality among farm animals. Ranchers should provide continuous access to cool, electrolyte-fortified water and construct well-ventilated shelters using native materials. Spraying roofs during peak midday hours drops ambient temperatures.
Feeding animals during cooler morning or evening hours encourages intake. Establishing drought-resistant fodder grasses like Napier and Guinea grass supports nutrition. Coordination with the Provincial Veterinary Office ensures scheduled deworming, vitamins, and vaccinations that boost immunity against heat-induced diseases.
Government Safety Nets
Farmers registered under RSBSA are eligible for free crop, livestock, and farm asset insurance through PCIC. This ensures financial recovery in the event of drought-related losses. Participation in LAWA and BINHI programs offers climate-smart seed packs and water infrastructure support.
Farmer associations can apply for water pumps and shallow tube wells through the City Agriculture Office or PATCO. For technical assistance, visit the Dumaguete City Agriculture Office in Barangay Candauay or the Provincial Agriculture Office in the Capital Area.
