Hot weather affecting tobacco crops in Abra

Farmers in Abra province are beginning to worry as the hot weather is starting to affect their tobacco crops.

 

Some tobacco plants have already started to wilt and die, GMA Ilocos reported on Wednesday.

 

The farmers said that while their tobacco plants used to be waist-high, they are now only knee-high.

 

"Mas maliliit ngayon," said Florencio Aspacio. When asked why, he said, "itong init at kawalan ng tubig."

 

Because of this, they fear they may not be able to get a return on their investments.

 

"Mura nga raw ang presyo (ng tabako) e ang daming gastos," said farmer Salvacion Aspacio.

 

The National Tobacco Administration said the hot weather could affect the production of tobacco.

 

In the meantime, the aegncy said it will continue its irrigation support for the farmers.

 

"Kulang sa tubig, alam naman natin ang kahalagahan ng tubig sa pagtatanim at paglaki ng tabako, kaya hindi lumalaki ang mga tabako," said NTA Abra manager Esmeralda Valera. —Joel Locsin/NB, GMA News