THE National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region One is gearing up for the impact of El Niño expected to hit the country during the third quarter of this year.

Engineer Gaudencio de Vera, NIA-I Regional Manager, said the El Niño phenomenon will surely and seriously affect farmers as already evidenced by the effect of the dry season alone making it imperative to discuss the different scenarios with management of the San Roque Dam as soon as possible.

To prepare for possible irrigation water shortage, the NIA has formed a group to monitor the water level at the dam.

The NIA is expected to hold an inter-agency meeting with the San Roque Power Corporation this week along with the farmers to discuss possible alternatives to minimize damage to crops.

Meanwhile, De Vera is urging the farmers to plant early, while water is still abundant.

“Mag-early planting na tulad ng ginagawa sa Santa Barbara, kakaumpisa lang nila ngayong buwan dahil malakas-lakas pa ang tubig,” he said as revealed NIA-R1’s plans to cover seven hectares for early planting.

The agency also eyes to augment or add irrigation water, citing the need to roll out their Solar Irrigation Projects after distributing solar irrigation pumps to several farmers. (Ahikam Pasion)

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