Rice production in irrigated areas of Negros Occidental is expected to hold steady or see a slight increase despite the anticipated prolonged El Niño, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Lacson noted that the province’s resilient agricultural output was demonstrated during the 2024 dry spell, during which Negros Occidental maintained a stable rice supply in irrigated areas without experiencing shortages.
To mitigate the impact on non-irrigated areas, the governor urged farmers in rain-fed areas to temporarily shift toward drought-resistant root crops capable of surviving the dry conditions.
To support affected farming communities, the provincial government is installing rubberized dams across rain-fed areas. Installation of the first unit is underway in the municipality of Manapla, with additional sites to be covered, Lacson said.
Lacson also said he will coordinate with the Department of Agriculture on the optimal utilization of an expected ₱30-million national allocation designated for cloud-seeding operations.
The Philippine Air Force, which has already offered its assistance, will be tapped to conduct the aerial operations, he said.*
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