(Eagle News Service) — The Department of Agriculture will set up 153 automatic weather stations in agricultural production areas to give weather advisories to food producers.
This is part of the department’s move to incorporate climate change policies in its programs, plans and budget to meet the demands of the forthcoming weather changes.
Agriculture Secretary Proceseo Alcala said that this was in response to a directive from President Aquino and in line with the Climate Change Act.
He said the DA had put in place “adaptation strategies to cushion the impact of extreme weather conditions.”
In fact, the agriculture department will be setting up 153 automatic weather stations in agricultural production areas to give weather advisories to food producers.
“These stations will serve as source of information so they will know when and how to plant on a particular season,” Alcala said.
Alcala explained that the government had been working non-stop to develop climate-resistant food varieties. Aside from super rice, research centers under DA have been developing drought-, flood-, and salinity-resistant rice varieties.
During the 44th Gawad Saka awarding ceremony held at the Philippine International Convention Center on December 18, 2014, Alcala urged all the agri champions to continue to look for effective farm systems that are climate smart.
He thanked all the 22 winners of various individual and group categories who partnered with the government in adapting new technologies.
“All winners who belong to the newest batch of achievers have paved way for a more developed rural sector that is more competitive and at par with other ASEAN nations,” Alcala said.
“Your efforts have also contributed to the sustainable growth of the agri-fishery sectors, which incurred .33% increment in the first nine months of the year,” he added.
During the event, Alcala made special mention of the triumphs of farmer Gerardo “Gerry” Esteban who integrates rice with other farm produce using modern farm technologies.
Esteban, who started his agri project on a leased one-hectare land some years back, ventured into rice production with only the knowledge passed on to him by his father. Working hard and doubling his efforts, he achieved good results and has now expanded his venture.
He now manages his own five-hectare land planted with rice, fruit trees, vegetables, and livestock forage. He also maintains a farmhouse, a greenhouse, a multi-purpose drying pavement, livestock animals and various aquatic species.