The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has activated its El Niño preparedness and water management measures, according to a report by Philstar Biz. The agency stated that it had prepared mitigation and contingency plans months in advance to address the potential effects of the dry spell on irrigation systems and agricultural water supply.
NIA's proactive measures include monitoring water levels in dams and reservoirs, implementing rotational irrigation schedules, and coordinating with local government units and farmers' associations. The agency aims to minimize disruptions to rice and crop production, which are highly dependent on reliable water sources.
The activation comes as weather agencies forecast a high probability of El Niño conditions developing in the coming months. NIA urged farmers to adopt water-saving technologies and follow official advisories to ensure efficient use of irrigation water during the dry period.