Dry weather driven by El Niño has led to crop moisture stress in 13 towns and cities in Negros Occidental, Irene Bel Ploteña, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head, said on Thursday, October 15.
Ploteña said an October 1 report from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist disclosed that 1,413.62 hectares of rice crops have been affected by moisture stress.
The affected areas are located in San Carlos City, Toboso, Don Salvador Benedicto, Escalante City, Cadiz City, Sagay City, Moises Padilla, Hinigaran, Isabela, La Castellana, Cauayan, Ilog, and Kabankalan City.
She also said 91.93 hectares of corn crops in Don Salvador Benedicto have also experienced moisture stress.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) moisture stress occurs when crops do not receive sufficient water, often caused by low or delayed rainfall, which hinders their normal growth.
Ploteña noted that based on PAGASA’s forecast, overall conditions in Negros Occidental remain relatively manageable due to ongoing rainfall in some LGUs.
However, OPA reports confirm that 13 LGUs are already experiencing dry conditions, defined by the weather bureau as receiving below-normal rainfall for two consecutive months.
But there is a possibility that Negros Occidental could still be hit by a typhoon this year, Ploteña said.
There are also projections that by the end of November heat conditions could increase, she said.
El Niño is forecasted to be from October to March, Ploteña said.
Nut but the peak is expected in March 2027, she added.*
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