The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) on Thursday, March 13, called on farmers in Negros Occidental to stock up on water as heat levels continue to rise as summer approaches.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services said the forecasted heat index for Negros Occidental on Friday is 40 degrees Celsius.
OPA officer-in-charge Dina Genzola said they have not received reports of crop damage yet but extreme heat will cause plants, especially vegetables, to wilt.
If farmers have water sources they should see to it that their plants have enough water so they do not dehydrate and suffer from water stress, Genzola said.
They should also prepare containers to stock up on rain water for their plants, she said.
Vegetables are very sensitive and need regular watering, Genzola said.
Joan Nathanial Gerangaya, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO), called on the public to conserve water.*