Philippines faces agricultural risks from Super El Niño

The Philippines is preparing for the impacts of a Super El Niño, a climate phenomenon characterized by unusually warm sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific that can lead to prolonged dry spells and below-normal rainfall.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has proposed a P61.99-billion response plan to mitigate threats to crops, water supplies, and rural livelihoods. However, approximately P371 million in critical interventions remains unfunded, including cloud seeding operations and measures to control a red-striped soft scale insect outbreak affecting sugarcane.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized the need for early preparation, such as providing drought-tolerant rice varieties. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the DA to explore importing drought-resistant rice seeds from India and has ordered intensified market monitoring to prevent profiteering during the period of potential food price increases.