Cebu invests in drought-resistant crops to combat El Niño

The Cebu Provincial Government is taking proactive steps to safeguard its agricultural sector against the looming threat of El Niño, which is forecasted to intensify and potentially last until mid-2027. The province has allocated ₱53 million for a Super El Niño Mitigation Plan, focusing on drought-resistant crops and soil conservation. Key crops include mung beans (monggos), which are resilient to heat and can enrich soil with nitrogen, and sweet potatoes (kamote), known for their ability to retain soil moisture and provide an additional food source.

Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Roldan Saragena highlighted the benefits of these crops. Mung beans, often called the 'poor man’s meat,' offer a vital protein source and improve soil health for subsequent crops like corn. Sweet potatoes, meanwhile, shield the soil from direct heat and can be mixed with rice or corn grits to diversify household diets during food shortages. The plan also includes 7,000 packs of assorted vegetable seeds for crops like eggplant, okra, and tomatoes, which can endure high temperatures.

Beyond crop selection, the province is addressing pest control and soil health. The plan includes 1,000 bottles of pesticides to combat pests like fall armyworms and locusts, as well as 51,000 bags of organic fertilizer to help soil retain moisture. Additionally, the government is providing water pumps, hoses, and storage drums to assist farmers in collecting and storing water. For the fishing sector, 102 fish aggregating devices, or payao, will be distributed to support marine life during the dry spell.

According to Pagasa, El Niño could progress from dry conditions by December 2026 to a full drought by March 2027, severely impacting water supply and agriculture. Cebu’s preparations aim to mitigate these effects by promoting resilient crops and equipping farmers with the tools needed to navigate the challenging conditions ahead.