Rice and corn production in Negros Oriental remains stable and reports that other areas in the country have been affected by the supposed dry spell, Provincial agriculturist Gregorio Paltinca said.

Infact, harvest season for corn for the second cropping period has already started this month, with optimistic projections of farmers earning an average yield, he added. Paltinca said farmers who planted their crops on time within the ideal cropping seasons, will not be affected by the perceived dry weather. The first cropping season, from planting to harvesting, is from May through September and second cropping season is from October through February, he said.

Farmers who planted corn in November and December could, perhaps, experience fewer yirlds, although the losses will be minimal, he added. Rice production also continues without let-up in Negros Oriental, in what paltinca describes as a “favorable weather” for farmers. Majority, if not all rice planters in the province, have followed the prescribed cropping seasons from June through October and November through February, Paltinca said.

So far, the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office has not received incident reports from its field officers in the towns and cities of crops being affected by the dry weather, he added. Rice production areas in the province include Canlaon City, Zamboanguita, Ayungon, Sta. Catalina, Siaton and Bayawan City while corn is mostly grown in Mabinay, Guihulngan and the rest of Negros Oriental. Paltinca said 56 percent of the population in the province are rice-eaters while 44 percent opt for corn.

Meanwhile, the province is also eyeing mitigating measures in preparation for the mild El Niño forecast to occur this year. Paltinca said the measures will include the pre-emptive purchase of seeds and repair of irrigation systems.