Philippines: NTA-Abra Braces Tobacco Farmers for El Nino

Source from:  Philippine Information Agency 12/31/2015

The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) is taking necessary measures to support the tobacco farmers in order to maintain high quality products and high productivity with the expected El Nino.

"The effect of El Nino is widespread and undeniable. Hence, we need to provide all the necessary assistance to our farmers especially those who are most-affected," said Esmeralda Gaerlan- Valera, NTA-Abra manager.

While everyone is asked to take his share in water conservation, Valera announced that they have completed their irrigation projects in various parts of the province particularly in the tobacco-producing municipalities. These are in the form of mini dams in the towns of Pilar and Villaviciosa and an impounding dam in Tayum.

The NTA also provided water pumps and water hose to the farmers in areas with no big irrigation projects in order to help the tobacco farmers cope with the ill-effects of drought.

Valera added that they have also an on-going water-supply project in Dolores and look forward to starting more water-related projects in the municipalities of Luba, Pidigan, San Quintin, Penarrubia and Tayum. Enditem