VICTORIA, Tarlac — Despite scarce irrigation water during El Niño, some farmers here are taking risks by continuing to plant rice.
David Antalan, a farmer in Barangay San Agustin, said the water they extract from wells has significantly decreased due to infrequent rainfall.
He estimates they can only pump out 70% of their usual water supply using water pumps.
Farmers fear that without rain, they may not meet irrigation needs through the end of August, the harvest season.
“Planting rice is a gamble for farmers who could lose everything if the harvest fails,” Antalan said.
The situation is compounded by high fuel prices, which have increased production costs. Farmers now spend approximately 20 liters of diesel per day to irrigate two hectares of rice fields.
Production costs have surged from P30,000 per hectare to P50,000 — a 67% increase.
Farmers are calling on the Department of Agriculture to provide assistance in reducing planting costs.
They are also urging the National Irrigation Administration to install irrigation systems in their rice fields to reduce dependence on groundwater.
