Manila, Oct. 23 -- Iloilo City Agriculturist Inigo Garingalao has reminded farmers of early planting to cushion the impact of the very strong El Nino.

In an interview on Friday, Garingalao said that the phenomenon may result in scarce agricultural supplies and even an increase in prices, but he believed one option to cushion its impact is to grow crops early.

"According to our meteorologist at the city disaster risk reduction and management office, the impact of El Nino in Iloilo City is gradual, and it is already towards summer. So our mindset is we prepare for that," he said.

He said farmers in the city are accustomed to dry spells and shift to heat-resistant crops during these periods.

Garingalao said they can visit his office or ...