Dry Spell Damages P17-M Agri Products in Legazpi City

The prevailing dry spell in this city has caused damages to agricultural products, particularly palay, estimated to cost PHP17 million.

City agriculturist Jesus Kallos reported Thursday that at least 20 percent of the palay plantations here are already either partially or totally damaged.

More than 252 hectares are totally damaged while over 11 hectares are partially affected out of the 1,300 hectares of rice plantations in the 18 barangays here, he said.

The totally damaged rice fields due to severe heat and dried up paddies are in Barangays Banquerohan with 36.7 hectares; Homapon with 27.75; Cagbacong with 25; Maslog with 21.5; Bagacay, 21; Estanza, 18; Imalnod, 16; Bariis and Mariawa with 15 each; Taysan, 14.25; Arimbay and San Joaquin with 10 hectares each; San Francisco, Rawis and Washington, five each; Ilawod East with 4.85; Pawa with 1.5; and Bogtong with 0.75.

The damage in rice plantations has already affected at least 472 farmers, Kallos said.

Likewise, he said 13 hectares of corn plantation are already either totally or partially damaged, amounting to PHP1.5 million.

Damaged vegetable plantations already reached 13 hectares in 18 barangays, estimated to be worth more than PHP3 million, Kallos added.

He said he already requested City Mayor Noel E. Rosal to expedite the purchase of at least four irrigation pumps to be used by the severely affected farmers.

He added that his office will invite the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) for a dialogue regarding the dry spell triggered by the prevailing weather condition.

“We will also invite the Department of Agriculture for a dialogue in order for us to determine the urgent measures to carry out to help our farmers cope up the prevailing dry spell,” Kallos added.

He said his office will conduct an inventory in all the areas suffering from severe heat or experiencing low water level and report it to the National Irrigation Administration for necessary action.

Kallos also advised farmers to remove objects that are clogging their irrigation facilities to ensure smooth flow of water for their farming activities. (PNA)