El Niño damage to agriculture hits P6.8 billion
Agricultural damage has reached P6.8 billion this year as several areas struggle with dry spells linked to the very strong El Niño phenomenon in recent months.
Agriculture in the Philippines has suffered roughly P6.8 billion in damage this year due to the strong El Niño phenomenon, according to the Office of Civil Defense. Drought and dry spells have affected crops, reducing irrigation water supply for agriculture and causing declines in various crop production across regions. As of October 15, 109 areas declared a state of calamity due to El Niño impacts, with local government units expressing concerns over agricultural damage.
The Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. raised concerns about the situation, stating that the National Food Authority's rice supply may last only 51 days, compared to the ideal 70 to 90 days. This may lead to domestic rice price increases due to factors such as the peso's depreciation, rising importation costs, and the effects of El Niño on importing countries.
While vegetable production currently faces no significant issues, harvests may decline by the first quarter of next year (March 2027) as dry conditions worsen.
Written by urgent.news from Philippine Star Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
