NIA adopts diversified cropping in irrigation systems
NIA Central Office – The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) initiates the adoption of Diversified Cropping in National and Communal Irrigation Systems (NISs/CISS) to lessen the effects of Global Warming and Climate Change in the agricultural sector, effective Dry Season of CY 2020 through the issuance of NIA Memorandum Circular No. 63, s. 2019.
In this regard, NIA, at any given time, shall ensure the continuous and bountiful harvest and that interventions, whether technical or procedural, be adopted to mitigate or lessen the effects of Climate Change, particularly, in the supply of irrigation water. Hence, the adoption of this procedural intervention, the Diversification of Crops, is deemed vital in securing the profitability of our Filipino farmers.
The memorandum also enumerated the factors that must be considered in crop selection. These include the suitability to present soil condition, such as soil texture, soil pH or acidity, and soil fertility, the adaptability to existing climate condition in the area, such as temperature level, rainfall, intensity of light/yield, and day length, the high productivity potential and high tolerance to pests and diseases, the knowledge in cultural/cultivation requirements, crop profitability, and the availability of market for farm produce.