El Niño disrupts rice planting, water supply in Agusan del Sur

SAN FRANCISCO, AGUSAN DEL SUR, Philippines — The prolonged El Niño phenomenon has affected more than 35,000 hectares of rice lands in this province, leaving about 21,600 farmers unable to plant at the start of the July cropping season, as dry conditions continue to reduce water availability across the province.

Provincial agriculturist Armando Valiente raised the El Niño disrupts rice planting, water supply in Agusan del Sur concern during a recent meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, where officials discussed recommending the declaration of Agusan del Sur under a state of calamity due to the prolonged dry spell’s impact.

Valiente estimated that agricultural losses have already reached P3.5 billion, with rice farmers among the hardest hit as irrigation systems struggle to provide sufficient water to farmlands.

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READ: Palace: Govt steps up preparations for ‘very strong’ El Niño

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Other agricultural commodities, including corn, vegetables, root crops and banana plantations, have also been affected by the extended period of below-normal rainfall.

The provincial board later approved a resolution declaring Agusan del Sur under a state of calamity due to the effects of El Niño and extreme heat conditions affecting communities and agricultural production.

The declaration came as farmers across the province reported abandoning or delaying planting activities because of the lack of water.

For members of the Lapinigan Farmers Association, the July cropping season, traditionally one of the productive periods for rice farmers, became a difficult decision-making period.

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Farmer Henler Amador said many farmers decided not to plant because irrigation canals operated by the National Irrigation Administration could no longer provide enough water for their fields.

“July was usually a productive season for us, but without enough water supply, many farmers chose not to continue planting,” Amador said.

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Unused farm

For farmer Alex Moreno of the Sta. Ana Farmers Association in Barangay Sta. Ana, San Francisco, the most difficult decision was not working in his field but leaving part of his farmland unused.

Moreno was supposed to plant rice in July and harvest by September. However, the prolonged dry conditions forced him to abandon his planting schedule.

“I was supposed to plant last July, but I decided not to continue because of the effects of El Niño. I should have harvested this September,” Moreno said.

Some farmers managed to continue cultivation by using water pumps provided through their organizations, but the alternative came with additional expenses.

Farmer Senen Maglente said he spent around 40 liters of diesel just to operate a water pump and a turtle tractor for land preparation. With fuel prices increasing, farmers are facing higher production costs while dealing with uncertain harvests.

Those located farther from available water sources have chosen to postpone planting until rainfall improves.

The effects of El Niño are also being felt beyond agricultural areas, with communities experiencing concerns over water supply.

Elmer Luzon, general manager of the San Francisco Water District, said rainfall monitoring at the Mt. Magdiwata Watershed recorded no rainfall at the Barangay Mate water system, one of the district’s sources.

Although thunderstorms brought occasional rain in recent days, Luzon said these were insufficient to significantly replenish water sources.

Residents in Barangay 4 and Dioso Subdivision have reported concerns over limited water deliveries, with some households asking authorities to improve distribution and ensure fair access to available supplies.

The provincial government has since intensified its monitoring of the situation.

Assessment

Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. ordered a province-wide assessment to determine the full extent of the damage caused by El Niño and evaluate additional measures needed to assist affected communities.

The Provincial Agriculture Office and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office are consolidating reports from municipalities to determine the overall impact on agriculture and livelihoods.

During field inspections, Cane observed declining river levels, cracked rice fields and crops showing signs of stress due to prolonged dry conditions.

“The prolonged dry conditions are already affecting our farmers. Their harvest will certainly be affected by the drought,” Cane said.

The governor said the possibility that El Niño conditions may continue until the first quarter of 2027 requires early preparation from government agencies and communities.

“There is already an impending crisis. We need to prepare for the worst that could happen,” he said.

El Niño is a climate phenomenon associated with warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, often resulting in reduced rainfall, dry spells and drought conditions in affected areas. In agricultural provinces such as Agusan del Sur, prolonged dry periods can directly affect irrigation supply, planting schedules, crop production and food security.

For farmers, however, El Niño is not only a weather event but a daily struggle marked by unplanted fields, rising production expenses and uncertain income.

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As the province faces another period of extreme dryness, farmers continue to wait for the return of regular rainfall—not only to revive their fields but to restore their source of livelihood. /cb