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FARMERS were urged to take measures to lessen the effects of El Niño on crops and livestock, especially when the dry spell intensifies in the coming months.
Engr. Ric Oblena and Angel Enriquez, regional executive director and regional technical director respectively of the Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas (DA-7) made the call during the recent livestock and poultry planning workshop attended by around 50 livestock commodity coordinators and provincial counterparts at the Ubay Stock Farm in Ubay, Bohol.
Oblena said one of the things that farmers can do is to make silage, a technology in which forage grasses are fermented for future use by livestock animals. The DA is ready to teach interested farmers on the rudiments of technology.
On the other hand, Enriquez said among the imperatives posed by the challenges of the El Niño are crop and animal insurance and quality infrastructure.
Central Visayas, particularly Bohol is projected to experience mild El Niño which may reach its peak in July.
Meanwhile, livestock coordinator Joel Elumba said farmers can avail of free seeds of legume like stylo, a nutritious forage for livestock and a good soil fertility enhancer.
Stylo can be planted during the onset of the rainy season. Interested farmers may contact Elumba at 2685157 and 2382163 or send a letter request to Director Ricardo Oblena, Department of Agriculture-7, KRC Building, Subangdaku, Mandaue City.
