Mild El Niño Affects 170 Hectares of Crops in Cebu

At least 170 hectares of crops in Cebu have been affected by the prevailing mild El Niño, the initial report of the Cebu Provincial Agriculturist’s Office said.

The report was based on the assessment submitted by the cities of Carcar and Talisay and the towns of Samboan and Sibonga, all in southern Cebu.

The assessment report stated that at least 76 hectares of corn crops, 64 hectares of rice, 20 hectares of banana plantation, and 10 hectares of vegetables have been damaged.

The town of Sibonga reported the biggest area of affected corn at 50 hectares.

The town has undertaken alternative solutions, such as planting of drought-resistance crops, based on its report.

Sibonga was followed by Samboan at 23 hectares of corn, and Carcar City at three hectares.

Shortage of irrigation water also affected around 64 hectares of rice in Talisay City.

But Cebu Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Saragena said the reports are still subject to field validation.

Earlier, the Cebu Provincial Board placed the entire province under a state of calamity due to the dry spell. (PNA) FFC/EB/EDS