Damage to agriculture in Kidapawan City due to the dry spell brought by El Niño in Kidapawan City has reached more than P2.5 million, initial assessment showed. 

The situation has affected up to 170 farmers. 

Data from the Office of the City Agriculturist showed that around 29 hectares of rice and corn, vegetables, and high-value crops were damaged.

Among the barangays affected are Macebolig, Kalaisan, Poblacion, Sudapin, Linangkob, Amazion, Binoligan, and Sikitan.

The local government had stepped up its efforts to mitigate the effects of El Niño in the city.

Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista has ordered the Office of the City Agriculturist and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to provide assistance to the farmers affected, which include the implementation of water rationing and use of water pumps to supply water.

The city government helped fast track the processing of the farmers’ insurance through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation. The distribution of vegetable seeds that could survive amid the hot weather and other planting materials also continues.