Watermelons, palay in Luzon affected by hot weather

The hot weather due to the El Niño phenomenon has affected the production of watermelons and rice in Luzon.

In Mangaldan, Pangasinan, farmers lamented the quality of watermelons, according to a report on Unang Balita on Wednesday based on information gathered by GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon.

Some watermelons' skin became thicker. The fruits were also less sweet as they were made to endure the intense heat.

The watermelons were also smaller due to limited water supply from irrigation.

As a result, the prices of watermelons went down to P15 to P23 per kilo.

Authorities are currently studying what assistance they can give affected farmers.

Mountain Province

In Mountain Province, meanwhile, cracks were already seen on the dry ground at the Maligcong Rice Terraces, according to a separate report on Unang Balita.

Residents thus turned to "ub-ubfo" or bayanihan, a tradition wherein they take turns in using the limited water supply in the rice terraces.

The damage and losses incurred by the agriculture sector due to the El Niño phenomenon reached over P2 billion, the Department of Agriculture said on April 3. —KG, GMA Integrated News