MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Agriculture (DA) reactivated its El Niño Task Force to improve interagency coordination and response readiness in anticipation of the El Niño that could occur later this year.
Studies suggest that a severe El Niño could slash farm output by 20 to 30 percent.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the government aims to minimize losses through several practical shifts.
The DA is also leveraging the National Rice Program and the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund to provide a safety net for rice farmers through various types of support.
“What we learned during the 2024 El Niño will guide how we prepare and intervene this time around,” Tiu Laurel added.
