The City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO) reported a 30 percent decrease in farm produce in the past months due to the long drought.
The El Niño phenomenon affected Baguio City’s 3,003 registered urban farmers as of May 21, 2024.
CVAO Supervising Agriculturist Marcelina Tabelin said production and garden yield decreased due to decline in soil moisture based on random monitoring of urban farms and gardens in the city.
Affected farm produce in the city are mostly fruiting crops including coffee, strawberry, highland vegetables such as sayote and tomatoes among others.
Tabelin said urban farmers also spent additional costs for irrigation access such as fuel for water pumps during the drought season.
She added pest and disease infestation were also noted on plants particularly aphids, white flies, mites and thrips.
Moreover, physiological disorder or sun scalding to some crop varieties due to high heat were also observed as well as stunted plants and fruits falling-off due to lack of water.
Prior to the onset of drought, the CVAO conducted promotion of crop diversification, agroforestry, soil moisture conservation measures (use of mulching materials), and efficient irrigation methods (drip).
Distribution of inputs such as seeds and fertilizers and distribution of garden hose and drums were also conducted.
Urban farmers were also updated on agricultural insurance in partnership with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.
Technology demonstrations on hydroponics and aquaponics farming were also advocated by CVAO as well as the provision of alternative livelihood support such as mushroom cultivation projects and beekeeping.
While city farmers contribute a minimal volume of farm produce to the market, urban agriculture is considered a priority sector by the city government to ensure a sustainable food source and local economy. ** JM Samidan
