KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- More than fifty farmer-leaders of irrigation associations under the Marbel-Banga River Irrigation System (MABARIS) signed on Thursday the 2023 Cropping Calendar and Pattern of Planting set by the South Cotabato Irrigation Management Office (SCIMO).

Officer-in charge Engr. Ronnie B. Tabaosares said there are 6,621.59 hectares of rice fields being serviced by NIA SCIMO covering the areas under Marbel 1 and 2 Irrigation System and Banga Irrigation System.

The official also said that one consideration in their preparation of the calendar is the availability of water supply, the expected harvest time and intervening weather "especially now that we are affected by the worldwide problem on the effects of climate change."

The cropping calendar and pattern of planting is recommended by NIA to ensure that rice farmers get adequate supply of water during planting season. This is also helpful to farmers as guide in formulating strategies from production to marketing of their palay.

The signed calendar will be the basis of irrigation systems in the release and distribution of irrigation water starting January 2023.

The contract signing facilitated by NIA-SCIMO with irrigation association heads was done in the presence of personnel from the Land Bank of the Philippines, National Food Authority, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, and LGUs.

Personnel of these agencies also aswered to queries of farmers on their problems on seeds and financial assistance and other government support especially after the pronouncement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directing concerned agencies to look into the plight of farmers. (AC Agad/PIA 12)