Davao city: Moisture stress has caused significant damage to crops in the Davao Region, amounting to approximately PHP90.5 million, as reported by the Department of Agriculture - Davao Disaster Risk Reduction Management Unit (DA 11-DRRM). Joedel Leliza, the focal person for DA 11-DRRM, explained that moisture stress occurs when plants receive insufficient or excessive water. In this case, the lack of water sources has exacerbated the situation, with irrigation falling short of covering all affected municipalities.

According to Philippines News Agency, validated assessments reveal that the moisture stress has resulted in losses across rice, corn, high-value crops, and livestock. This has impacted 2,598 farmers and affected 2,842.85 hectares of farmland, leading to an estimated production loss of 3,220 metric tons. Leliza noted that additional damage is anticipated as assessments continue in the affected provinces.

In response to this crisis, the regional agriculture office plans to support recovery efforts by providing seeds, fertilizers, and various agricultural inputs, including rice, corn, and vegetable seeds, as well as drugs and biologics for livestock. "We are still finalizing the list of farmers and damage," Leliza stated, emphasizing the need for proper water management techniques in paddy fields. He advised maintaining 2-5 cm of water, avoiding deep irrigation, and keeping soil moist during the reproductive stage, while also prioritizing fields in the heading or flowering stage if water is limited.

Leliza urged farmers to avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer when plants are under stress. The office continues to coordinate with local government units, irrigators' associations, and DRRM offices to monitor disaster impacts such as declining water levels, production losses, and food supply disruptions resulting from reduced crop yields.