Salceda tells farmers to plant kangkong

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Farmers can offset their crop losses caused by floods by planting submergence tolerant varieties, among them, kangkong or water spinach. 

Weather forecasters predict heavy rains may continue beyond September and October, and inflict heavy damage to farm crops. They said eight to 12 tropical cyclones may hit Bicol until December this year, which makes planting submergence-tolerant plant varieties such as kangkong advisable particularly in low-lying areas.

Citing experts,  Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said planting kangkong is a practical way of surviving the onslaughts of climate change. He said farmers should adopt “good farm practices recommended by the Department of Agriculture, based on its “Seasonal Climate Outlook and Advisory, a special project that aims to keep agricultural stakeholders guided on the seasonal weather situation for more productivity.”

A recent agriculture advisory said while high moisture availability favors land preparation and crop establishment this cropping season, newly planted crops may be washed out by floods caused by heavy rains that may inflict heavy losses to farmers. These prospects are expected to be heavier in October.

Salceda said floods adversely affect crop production in most areas and plant pests could follow due to the wet agro-climatic conditions that ensue. Kangkong, scientifically known as Ipomoea aquatic, is also pest resistant.

Kangkong is popular ingredient in various cuisines and is often eaten raw because of its deliciously sweet taste. It can be boiled or steamed like regular spinach. It is rich in protein, iron, calcium, phosphorus, carotene, sitosterol, vitamins A, B1 and C and health beneficial amino acids.

 In Bicol, ‘Adobong Kangkong’ is among the favorite rainy season viands, and Albay folks cook it in many different ways. A health guide says kangkong also has antitoxin and anti-inflammatory properties and serves as a laxative, diuretic, homeostatic and sedative.