00:00 The Pinsala in Agriculture has increased to more than P100 million
00:05 when the El Niño Agreement was signed by the Agriculture Department or DA.
00:10 And amid the abuse of some farmers
00:13 that they will not plant rice because it is difficult to irrigate,
00:16 the DA assured that the rice supply is sufficient.
00:20 And Bernadette Rey was right.
00:21 Rice is now being planted in Vintar, Ilocos Norte.
00:29 According to some farmers, they will be left to the possible effects of El Niño.
00:34 They also accompanied the rice sales while it is still high.
00:38 It was also early to plant rice in Orion, Bataan where most people use water pumps.
00:43 But after that, they will stop planting rice because it is difficult to irrigate.
00:49 It is good for heating and the water pump helps.
00:53 According to the Federation of Free Farmers Cooperative,
00:56 rice harvest has already started in other provinces like Isabela.
01:01 In other areas, they will start harvesting in March.
01:05 At present, they are in the stage of production where they really need water.
01:13 So if they run out of water now, their harvest can be affected in March.
01:20 The National Irrigation Administration assured
01:23 that they are planning to release water and what should be planted.
01:27 We have local flows, we can tap.
01:30 If it really can't be done, we will plant high-value crops.
01:34 At present, according to the Department of Agriculture,
01:37 the rice is already worth more than P151 million because of El Niño.
01:43 The various government agencies are trying to avoid the possible effects of El Niño
01:48 by ensuring adequate water supply and the distribution of rice.
01:54 We want very minimal damage.
01:58 Like what NIA is doing, they are maximizing the area with irrigation.
02:05 They are also planting hybrid rice.
02:07 In the case of Aurora, the expected yield is low due to the pest.
02:11 Farmers are saying that even if the rice is sold high, it will still lose.
02:16 It was hit by a bicesto, a sea and a black bag.
02:23 I only planted more than 2 hectares.
02:27 Last time, it was 77.
02:30 Now, it's 43.
02:32 So it's losing.
02:33 The DA is assuring that the rice supply is adequate for the first 6 months of 2024
02:39 in the combined supply from local harvest and imported rice.
02:43 According to the latest forecast by the US Department of Agriculture,
02:46 they are planning to import 3.9 million metric tons of rice.
02:52 Now, in 2024, we are waiting for the DA's statement.
02:56 The DA is also warning against possible risks
03:00 through high prices and hoarding.
03:03 For GMA Integrated News, Bernadette Reyes, Katootok, 24 Hours.
03:10 (upbeat music)
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