DA readying agri-strategy for dry season
The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 6 (DA-RFU 6) is now working on strategies to boost agricultural production at the onset of dry season.
Members of the DA regional technical work group, rice and crops experts, stakeholders, and representatives from National Food Authrotiy (NFA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and attached agencies gathered here today Friday to discuss new plans, programs and strategies geared for the dry season cropping amid the onslaught of the recent typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng as well as other typhoons that might visit the country for the rest of the year.
DA regional executive director Larry P. Nacionales said that the department in the region had to collaborate with stakeholders to battle an imminent food crisis that might be brought about by the recent typhoons.
The workshop outlined DA’s initiatives for the expected dry season cropping, which actually started in September and last in March 2010.
It also tackled new policies on how to implement regular program activities of the department despite the challenges of climate change.
DA also plans to craft policies on project implementation of its GMA-RICE Program during calamities in relation with the recent onslaught of typhoons, which affected areas planted with rice in the Luzon.
Nacionales said that local government units must help implement the national government’s rice program, including follow-ups on DA projects on irrigation, seed subsidy, flatbed dryers, and pest infestation control, among others. (PNA)