Rice farmers in Ilocos Norte are being encouraged to consider vegetable production as an alternative source of income amid concerns over the potential impact of the El Niño phenomenon on agricultural production and water availability.

“To avoid crop losses, our farmers should practice crop diversification, plant vegetables that are early-maturing and requires less water to sustain growth,” provincial agriculturist Ma. Teresa Bacnat said in an interview on Monday.

Even before the advent of the very strong El Niño, the Office of the Provincial Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture havea been promoting crop diversification to help farmers manage climate-related risks while exploring additional livelihood opportunities during periods of limited irrigation water.

Bacnat said vegetable production offers an alternative in areas where suitable crops can be grown with available water resources and favorable soil conditions.

Farmers may consider crops such as peanut, mung bean and selected off-season vegetables, depending on local conditions, market demand and access to planting materials.

Through the “Agri Ka Dito” program of the provincial government, farmers and fisherfolk can directly request for farm inputs, machinery, irrigation, livestock assistance, fisheries support, fuel, transportation, and marketing assistance to reduce production costs and ensure food security in the province.

As the province prepares for possible water shortages and prolonged dry spells, agricultural stakeholders are exploring measures to protect farmers’ livelihoods and sustain food production.

Interventions include the construction and repair of 107 small farm reservoirs across the province and dredging of approximately 27,431 linear meters of irrigation canals benefiting around 3,231 farmers.

The province has also allocated PHP10.5 million for solar-powered irrigation systems to support high-value crop production. (PNA)