Two agrometeorology stations to be installed in Antique
San Jose, Antique -- Two Agrometeorology (AgroMet) stations would be installed in the province by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
In a validation of sites of rainkage in all municipalities to predict rainfall pattern for agriculture, disaster preparedness and health and early forecast of rainfall with the use of Global Positioning System (GPS), two Agromet sites were identified namely: Pangpang in Sibalom and Esperanza, Culasi.
The AgroMet stations would improve agricultural productivity, enhance disaster preparedness, through Community-Based Climate Information and Warning Monitoring System (CBCLIMS) for agricultural areas that are prone to extreme climate events, such as the river basins as the focus, the information revealed.
The project proposal for AgroMet a long term undertaking with PAG-ASA and Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) is being finalized. The respective roles of each agency or the partner agencies, possible sources of funding, financial support, and manpower requirement among others are being defined, the source said.
As President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo orders speedy action on priority projects and concerns, the Department of Agriculture has been ordered to speed up the expansion of its food highway linking farmers cooperatives and Metro Manila barangay food terminals with a P2-billion program that would help combat hunger by eliminating middleman mark-ups and thus raising farmer incomes and reducing food prices in poor areas of the city, the source said.
Nicolasito Calawag, Provincial Agriculturist pointed out that the project is being undertaken in coordination and with the support of the ADPC based in Thailand.
(PIA)