Bare action plans to address irrigation water shortage – updates from the peasant movement of the Philippines

𝐸𝑙 𝑁𝑖𝑛𝑜 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) today said the government’s El Nino Task Force and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) should let farmers know about the government’s plan of action on how to address the ongoing irrigation water shortage due to El Nino.

“We have been warned. El Niño is here and we must prepare for more extreme heat in the coming months. An El Nino episode typically lasts for 9 to 12 months. We want to know NIA’s concrete plans on how to help farmers cope with El Nino and how to ensure the availability of rice and food crops despite extreme weather events,” according to Danilo Ramos, chairperson of KMP.

El Nino and dry spells will likely affect the country’s rice production since many farmers rely on rainwater for irrigation. The wet season for rice cropping usually peaks during June to July but dams are nearing their below-normal levels due to lack of rain. During the wet season, rice may be grown under rain-fed or irrigated conditions. Continuous periods of no rain, directly affect rice crops by impacting water availability. “Even if irrigation systems exist, they are poorly maintained and costly. Despite massive irrigation projects, water distribution for agriculture remains a persisting challenge,” Ramos said.

The onset of El Nino shattered temperature records and would likely cause more extreme heat in many parts of the world and in the ocean according to experts. The planet’s daily average temperature rose to 17.23 degrees Celsius (63 degrees Fahrenheit) on Thursday. For three consecutive days from July 3 to July 6, the world recorded its hottest day, causing deep concern from climate scientists. Last month was regarded as the hottest June on record.

NIA earlier said that the entire country will be affected by El Nino. Luzon provinces will experience potential dry spells while Mindanao will experience dry conditions while Camarines Norte and Southern Leyte will experience drought.

The National Water Resources Board has implemented a reduction of water supply from the Angat Dam for residential and irrigation users. Magat Dam which irrigates 85,000 hectares of farmlands experienced a plunge in water level from 172.84 meters on June 1, to 165.34 meters on July 7.

KMP will seek an urgent dialogue with DA and NIA officials to discuss El Nino mitigation efforts. #