AGRICULTURAL technicians in Misamis Oriental have begun overseeing the production of crops and vegetables in the province amid the prevailing dry season.
Dr. Benjamin Resma, chief of the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), said the dry spell has yet to cause destruction in agricultural products including fruits and vegetables.
Governor Yevgeny Emano has already ordered the PAO to monitor whether farmers are experiencing problems because of the summer period.
The capitol's top official said this is to respond promptly and assist farmers should there be damages in their crops.
"So far wala pay na-report nga mga damages in fact init siya pero naa pa man ulan-ulan sa bukid pero padayon ang atong pag monitor (there are no reported damages, in fact even though the weather is hot, it still rains in the hinterland. But we are still continuing our monitoring)," Resma said.
Resma said there are reports of the usual minor shortfall particularly in vegetable production but this is not considered damage or cause for alarm.
On the other hand, he said the production of corn and rice in the province remains stable and unaffected.
"Naay usual problem kanang sa mga utanon kay naay kakulangon pero dili tungod sa ting-init. Ang mga humay ug mais dili basta-basta pud madaot kay nakatubo naman (There is the usual problem in the decline of vegetable production but it is not because of the dry season. The corn and rice, meanwhile, will not easily get damaged)," Resma said.
Resma said the previous summer period has brought destruction in the agriculture sector, especially because "El Nino" phenomenon was declared.
He said the prolonged dry spell destroyed several farmlands and crops of the farmers, prompting the provincial government to extend aid to affected farmers.
Resma added that this week, the capitol is set to distribute corn and rice seedlings to all municipalities as part of its regular assistance and not because of the dry season.
He said farmers have already complied with the requirements for the distribution.