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Super El Nino threatens Philippines rice harvest, farmers warn

Pagasa said the odds of El Nino intensifying from October are 62.0%, raising concerns about rice output and food supply.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Emerging Markets

Farmers in central Luzon are warning that a strengthening “super” El Nino could sharply worsen rice harvest prospects, with growers who planted in June watching uncertain weather conditions, according to the SCMP Economy.

At Pagasa’s 197th Climate Outlook Forum, the Philippines state weather agency said the odds of El Nino intensifying from October are 62.0%, while farmers described government plans as insufficiently visible on the ground.

Raul Montemayor, national manager of the Federation of Free Farmers, said conditions are hard to gauge for workers facing potential production shortfalls and the risk of empty granaries and hungry households.

The Federation of Free Farmers represents 250,000 of the country’s 10 million rural workers and agricultural laborers, according to the report.

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