AS forecasts point to a possible El Niño starting between June and August 2026, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is urging farmers to plant early-maturing and drought-tolerant rice varieties and adopt water-saving practices to safeguard yields.
This 2026-2027 El Niño has been dubbed as an “extreme” or “super.”
PhilRice said selecting suitable rice varieties is one of the practical steps farmers can take to prepare for water-limited conditions. The institute is recommending early-maturing and drought-tolerant varieties that can withstand limited water supply and heat stress while maintaining stable yields under dry conditions.
“These varieties help farmers cope with heat stress and limited water supply,” said PhilRice senior plant breeder Christopher Cabusora. “They require less irrigation, mature in about 106 to 113 days, and can still yield 3 to 6 tons per hectare under stress-prone conditions.”
Drought-tolerant varieties were developed to survive prolonged periods of limited water, while early-maturing varieties allow farmers to harvest sooner and avoid the peak effects of dry conditions. PhilRice said both characteristics are intended to help maintain productivity when rainfall is below normal.
Recommended varieties
Through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Seed Program, PhilRice continues to distribute recommended varieties to farmers. The institute also plans to introduce newer releases, including PSB Rc 10, NSIC Rc 480, Rc 594, Rc 596, Rc 572, Rc 732, and Rc 740.
The varieties were developed to support productivity in areas expected to experience reduced rainfall and higher temperatures. PhilRice said the distribution of the varieties under the RCEF Seed Program is part of ongoing efforts to expand access to seeds suited for stress-prone environments.
Aside from using climate-resilient seeds, PhilRice is encouraging farmers to adopt water-conserving practices, avoid unnecessary water wastage, and closely monitor weather advisories. The institute said the measures can help reduce risks from extreme heat, pests, and crop diseases during dry spells.
Forecasts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration indicate that El Niño may develop between June and August 2026, potentially causing water shortages in major rice-producing regions.
According to PhilRice climate-smart maps, about 301,000 hectares of the country’s 1.58 million hectares of rice area in Luzon are highly susceptible to drought, with another 280,000 hectares moderately vulnerable. In Mindanao, around 150,000 hectares are highly susceptible, while more than 205,000 hectares in the Visayas face similar risks.
By promoting climate-resilient farming strategies, PhilRice aims to help farmers safeguard their livelihoods during dry conditions.
Farmers are also advised to coordinate with local agricultural offices for access to recommended seeds and technical guidance on water management and crop care ahead of the dry season.
