THE Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) said that the La Niña weather phenomenon, which will run until March, is expected to have a minimal effect on rice yields.

In a statement on Wednesday, PhilRice Engineering and Mechanization Division science research specialist Jasper G. Tallada said the impact of La Niña is “slight” and could diminish after March

“The effects of La Niña vary around the world. In the Philippines, it brings more rains while in other countries, the usual effect can also be drought,” he said.

“Farmers need not panic as what we might be experiencing until March is just the slight effects of La Niña; after that everything will return to neutral conditions.”

PhilRice’s lead officer for Climate Resiliency for Enhanced Agricultural Trade and Efficiency, Ricardo F. Orge, advised farmers to make use of flood-tolerant varieties which include NSIC Rc 68 (Sacobia) and NSIC Rc 194 (Submarino 1).

“They should also plan their planting schedule very well to avoid torrential rains and strong winds that can damage crops,” he added.

Separately, Samahang Indsutriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) in a statement asked the government to provide more support to rice production and to increase the farmgate price.

SINAG also called on the government to provide incentives to millers modernizing their operations.

SINAG Chairman Rosendo O. So told BusinessWorld in a text message: “What the farmers need is the assurance that in whatever calamity comes to the farms, they will compensated or covered by the PCIC (Philippine Crop Insurance Corp.) and have easy access to credit.” — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato

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