The Philippines has roughly 30 million hectares of land area in which a huge part of it is considered agricultural. With this, the country has rich natural resources and a great focus on the agricultural sector. Moreover, this served as a backbone of the economy of the Philippines as its main product for export comes from the hard work of the agricultural workers. Thus, the importance of agriculture in the Philippines is undeniable. But with the ongoing extreme effects of global warming bringing climate change, will it affect our food supply and agricultural lands in the Philippines? Read to know more.
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Despite being one of the major drivers of the country’s economic growth, the lack of capacity-building activities such as technological innovations, irrigation, and farm-to-market roads hinder the speedy progress of the agricultural sector of the country. However, a greater and uncontrollable factor must be considered in the development of the agricultural sector of the country. Weather and climatic seasons take a huge role in the cultivation of farm products and areas. By this means, climate change affects the seasons which disrupts the cultivation of agriproducts that should be yielded in their appropriate season.
On top of this inevitable natural phenomenon, other impacts are expected to happen. Knowing the huge importance of agriculture in the Philippines, it is better to understand the incidental impact of climate change on the cultivation of farm products.
Here is a glimpse of the detriments brought by climate change on the entirety of agriproducts:
1. Crops
It is a general knowledge for the majority that vegetables, fruits, and other crops have different seasons where their growth is at maximum and high quality. Some types of crops may enjoy the uncontrollable climate shifts. But for others, an increase in temperature brought by carbon dioxide emissions could make it difficult for other types to grow and affect the projected yields of vegetables and fruits.
2. Livestock
Like humans, animal growth is expected to be impacted by the significant increase in temperature. Warmer weather increases the chance of animal illnesses such as foot-and-mouth disease, and flu virus and causes mortality for some. With this, supply is affected, and demand is impacted as animal diseases pose a risk to the health of humans. Consumers shift to other alternatives to prevent sickness brought by animal-transmitted illnesses.
3. Fisheries
The warmer climate endangers the growth of sea creatures as well. Adding acidity, it is also impacting different types of fisheries. Shellfish are significantly impacted by these temperature increases. The shell formation of these sea creatures is disrupted due to the changing patterns of the climate. With this, migration of some species may happen because some fish types need a lower temperature, acidity, or dissolved oxygen. In line with this, the distribution range of fisheries might become a problem because sea creatures are forced to adapt to the detrimental effects of climate change.
What is the Importance of Agriculture in the Philippines?
About 10.2% of the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) is contributed by the agricultural sector of the country. Furthermore, roughly 47% of the land area of the Philippines is classified as agricultural. These data shows that the Philippines is no wonder an agricultural country. But what are the real benefits of being an agricultural country? Here are some of the advantages of being one.
1. Food Security
A country rich in natural resources gives the nation to gain a self-sustaining source of food for its constituents. Importation will not be dependent on as there are lots of raw ingredients available in our country. In times of surplus produce, it becomes a source of export which helps boost the economy’s growth.
2. International Trade
Every nation needs one another especially in acquiring the needed raw materials and ingredients. The difference in climates and farming conditions for a country pose a limitation on the agriproducts that can be produced by a nation. With this, trading becomes an opportunity for a country to boost its economy through exportation by having the knowledge of the agricultural limitation and needs of its neighboring states.
3. Technological Advancement
Population increases thus demand rises as well. Agriculture may be considered a labor-only activity at a surface level but the inevitable national phenomenon, known as climate change, affects the growth of crops and other farm products. With this, genetic modification may happen to address the issue of supply. To increase productivity, technology is being adopted in agricultural activities to speed up the planting and harvesting process. The integration of technology in this sector highlights the importance of technological advancement on productivity even in activities seen as involving only labor.
Climate Change Calls for Agricultural Enhancement and Modernization
Being the one of the severely impacted by climate change, people must adapt to this inescapable global crisis. Disbalance in the generation of natural resources happens. For example, when a drought happens, there is a high chance for a water crisis to occur. With this, there are ways that can enhance the agricultural practices in our country and help in preventing the severe effects of climate change. Recognizing the importance of agriculture in the Philippines, here are some of the procedures which can be done by farmers and the state to fight climate change.
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1. Irrigation Management
In times of drought, water supply becomes a problem, especially for farmlands. Along with the problem of water supply, plants and soil dry up quickly thus causing it to affect its growth and productivity. Through irrigation management, controlled amounts of water are supplied to land to assist in maintaining its moisture level for the growth of plants rather than depending on rainfall which is nearly impossible in times of drought.
2. Organic Ways to Maintain Agricultural Produce
The chemical-based fertilizers contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases which is detrimental to the atmosphere and a factor that increases the intensity of climate change. It also affects the quality of soil and crops in the long run because of its chemical content. Hence, it is better to shift to organic practices in enriching the growth of plants and maintaining soil health.
3. Soil Health Improvement
Plants are not the only carbon sinks we have. Soil plays a vital role in carbon deposit and this deposit serves as food for microorganisms which helps in giving mineral nutrients as a natural fertilizer to the plants. Thus, to increase soil fertility, planting cover crops and reduced or no-till cultivation must be adopted. By doing such methods, soil health is improved making it a viable planting area which helps in increasing the chances of high-quality harvests.
Agriculture as a Driver of the Philippine Economy
Our country’s topography dictates the importance of agriculture in the Philippines and its citizens. With over 30 million hectares of land serving as agricultural lands and 23% of the workforce employed in this sector, all procedures must be exhausted to improve the situation of the farmers and their lands. Climate change may be considered one of the greatest enemies in the productivity of the agricultural sector. It is also undeniable that every person has a fair share in the increasing intensity of climate change. Hence, each of us is encouraged in doing every method we can to decrease the effects of climate change and its magnitude in the upcoming years. Environmental volunteering is one of the simplest ways to take part in the restoration of the Earth. You may check this link for more information about the volunteering process and benefits.
Bria Homes recognizes the importance of agriculture in the Philippines so it takes part in preventing the detrimental impacts of climate change. It joined the going-green trend along with marketing affordable house and lot for every customer of every social class. Bria adopted a modern solar streetlight on its housing subdivisions. Being a real estate owner in Bria does not let you enjoy a comfortable home. It gives you confidence that the company is not only for profits but for environmental conservation as well which benefits every sector especially the agriculture in the Philippines.
