Manila, March 10 -- Despite recent dry conditions impacting parts of the province, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) - Davao del Sur Irrigation Management Office (IMO) reported Tuesday that rice crops in its service areas have withstood the dry spell and are still on track for harvest.

In an interview, NIA-IMO Manager Dexter Tinapay said the agency continues to implement proactive and coordinated water management strategies to sustain rice production and ensure irrigation services across Davao del Sur.

Last month, the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 (Davao) - Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Unit (DRRM) reported that moisture stress had damaged about PHP90.5 million worth of crops in the region.

Validated assessments...