In Isabela, dry spell ruining palay, corn crops

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – While other parts of the country are experiencing heavy rainfall, some places in Isabela continue to experience drought.

The dry spell has so far destroyed at least P11 million worth of crops, especially in the corn-producing northern parts of the province.

The provincial agriculture office said at least 5,000 hectares of farmlands have been affected.

Over 160 hectares of cornfields in northern Isabela are left to waste due to lack of rain, it added.

Provincial agriculturist Danilo Tumamao said the initial figures just covered the first four municipalities that forwarded their final damage assessment on corn crops.

Six more towns are still monitoring the chances of survival of crops in their turf.

The northernmost San Pablo town had the most extensive crop damage at P6 million, with at least 3,000 hectares of farmlands affected, followed by Cabagan, P2.7 million; Sta. Maria, P2 million; and Sto. Tomas, P1.2 million.

Tumamao said rains started pouring in most of Isabela’s southern towns, but farmlands in the northern areas are still experiencing scarce water for irrigation.

Among these areas are Ilagan City, the provincial capital, and the towns of Cabagan, San Mariano, Tumauini, Quezon, Sto. Tomas, Sta. Maria, Mallig, Quirino, and San Pablo, which are among Isabela’s major corn and rice-producing towns.

Tumamao said palay and corn crops in these areas are wilting, but still have a high chance of recovery if enough rains would fall in the next few days.

Isabela is the country’s leading corn-producing province and number two in rice production after Nueva Ecija.