Rice planting delayed as heat, El Niño threaten Calasiao farmers

Rising heat and the looming El Niño phenomenon have delayed rice planting in parts of Calasiao, as many farmers wait for rain before they can start work on their fields.

Farmers said early planting is usually done to allow early harvest and better selling prices. But this season, dry conditions have forced many to postpone planting to avoid crop failure.

Mely Barongga, a farmer in the area, said they cannot risk planting without rain.

“Hindi pa nga namin talaga mataniman kasi kung tamnan ‘yan, mamamatay din,” Barongga said.

Based on monitoring by the Calasiao Municipal Agriculture Office, planting in the town may be delayed further if dry weather continues.

Officials said about 70 percent of rice farmers, covering 15 barangays, depend on rain-fed farming systems. Only five barangays rely on irrigation canals.

Lenette Bauzon, rice program coordinator at the Calasiao Municipal Agriculture Office, said farmers in rain-fed areas have no choice but to wait.

“Syempre ‘yung iba sa atin sa mga rain-fed areas talagang hihintayin pang umulan, so probably talagang ma-delay ‘yung planting nila kung ganito ang magiging panahon natin,” Bauzon said.

The agriculture office said it has already distributed rice seeds to farmers, so planting can start quickly once rainfall arrives.

Despite the expected delay, the office said it remains confident that rice production in the town will not be significantly affected if weather conditions improve in the coming weeks. — GMA Regional TV