Rains destroy tobacco plants in Ilocos region

SAN FERNANDO, La Union, Philippines – The sudden downpour during the past few days has destroyed tobacco plants in the Ilocos region, and heavy rains brought by typhoon “Emong” further ruined the remaining plants.

Although they are already in the final stage of their harvest, farmers in Balaoan town, the largest tobacco-producing municipality in La Union, some 30 kilometers north of this city, told The STAR that their plants are slowly dying, as rainwater has flowed into their tobacco fields.

The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) has yet to assess the extent of the tobacco farmers’ losses.

Edward Rivera, a Virginia tobacco farmer in Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union, said he has already incurred an income loss of about P20,000 due to the April rains and that he expects more losses due to Emong.

A tobacco technician said excessive rainwater in tobacco farms, particularly in low-lying areas, will stop the penetration of oxygen into the roots of the plants, causing them to collapse.

“When the roots are soaked in excessive water for at least one day, the plant will surely die because of lack of oxygen. Tobacco is very prone and sensitive to too much water,” he said.

If some of the affected tobacco plants will recover, their quality though will be very poor due to the effect of excessive water, he added.     

Most tobacco farmers in La Union have tied up with private tobacco contractors that provided them with loans. They, however, now find it hard to pay these loans.