SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija -The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has recommended strategies on how to manage crops after a typhoon.
Arnold Juliano, PhilRice’s agricultural engineer, said for farmers who were able to harvest before a weather disturbance such as the recent typhoons Karen and Lawin that hit the country, farmers are advised to use the mechanical dryer for drying of harvested grains.
“Seeds must have drying temperature not higher than 43°C. It is advantageous for farmers to use the mechanical dryer as it allows drying during unfavorable weather conditions,” Juliano said.
In harvesting crops submerged in water or mud, he said farmers can use the combine harvester provided that the field is already dry.
“If the crop submerged in water is easy to drain, combine harvester can be used provided that no or minimum moisture is present in the panicles to minimize grain losses during operation. For submerged crop with drainage problem, immediate manual harvesting is advisable to save the grains from deterioration,” he said.
To know more about the practical recommendations on how to manage crops after typhoons, Juliano advised farmers to call or text the PhilRice Text Center 0920 911 1398.
Typhoons Karen and Lawin that hit Central and Northern Luzon affected the country’s major rice-producing provinces.
According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), Karen alone left almost PHP3 billion in agricultural damages. (PNA)/FPV/ZST/MEG