The Department of Agriculture (DA) field office in Zamboanga City has revealed its plans to assist farmers in preparation for the possible onslaught of El Nino phenomenon this year.
DA Regional Executive Director Donn Cedeno said an initial funding of Php 129 million and a Php 60 million standby fund were allocated to help farmers during the summer months.
“PAra meron tayo ibang sources ng income ng farmers, hindi yun pagdating at saka pa lang magbibigay ng ayuda,” Cedeno said.
The money will be used to fund programs in crop and income diversification.
Cedeno said funds will be used to train farmers in agriculture-related activities such as poultry raising in line with income diversification.
Farmers will also be taught techniques in crop diversification to take advantage of the hot weather in planting other produce.
The programs are directives from Agriculture Secretary William Dar to provide assistance to farmers ahead of the coming summer months in line with the order of President Rodrigo Duterte.