Ifugao Farmers Urged to Adhere to Irrigation Schedule Amid Dry Spell

ALFONSO LISTA, IFUGAO, Philippines — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has ordered irrigators’ associations in Ifugao to strictly follow the water rationing schedule and approved cropping calendar under the Hapid Irrigation System (HIS) to ensure the equitable distribution of irrigation water during the continuing dry spell. In a recent public advisory at the start of the wet cropping season last week, NIA-Ifugao said compliance with the schedule is necessary to promote efficient water distribution, reduce the occurrence of pests and crop diseases, strengthen coordination among farmers and provide sufficient time for the repair and maintenance of irrigation facilities. The HIS is expected to serve 1,817.42 hectares (ha) of agricultural land this wet cropping season, including 1,404 ha of rice fields, 396 ha of corn farms and 15 ha of fishponds. The agency identified about 126 ha of farmland in Sitio Compra, Barangay Pugol and Barangay Mabatobato as vulnerable to limited irrigation water supply because of the lingering effects of the El Niño phenomenon and the continuing lack of rainfall. To maximize the available water supply, NIA opened the irrigation intake gates two days before the July 16 water release to facilitate flushing and canal-clearing operations. Workers removed accumulated silt and other obstructions to improve water flow through the irrigation network. The agency said the current water rationing schedule will support land soaking, land preparation and transplanting activities through August. Normal irrigation operations are expected to resume by the end of August and continue through September and October, subject to improved weather conditions. NIA said it will continue implementing proactive water management measures to mitigate the effects of the dry conditions and ensure the equitable distribution of available irrigation water. These include information and education campaigns, rotational water distribution, and regular monitoring.