A strong El Niño event is expected to hit the Philippines in the second half of the year, threatening agricultural production and increasing risks to food supplies. The National Weather Forecasting Office warned that the dry spell could reduce crop yields, particularly for rice and corn, which are staple foods. Farmers in central and southern regions are already reporting lower water levels in irrigation systems, limiting their ability to plant and maintain crops.
The El Niño phenomenon, characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific, typically leads to reduced rainfall and higher temperatures. This year’s event is projected to be among the strongest in decades, according to climate experts. The impact on agriculture is expected to be most severe between July and November, when the majority of the country’s harvests take place.
El Niño has historically caused significant disruptions to food production in the Philippines. In 2015, a strong El Niño led to a 10% drop in rice output, contributing to a sharp rise in food prices. With global grain prices already at record highs, the potential for another shortfall could exacerbate inflation and food insecurity. The government is urging farmers to adopt drought-resistant crops and improve water management practices to mitigate the impact.
