South Sulawesi prepares drought-resistant crops for forecast extreme El Niño

North Sulawesi is preparing drought-resistant crops for farmers as the province braces for an extreme El Niño forecast from late May through August 2026.

Agriculture Department head Wilhelmina Nova Pangemanan said the climate phenomenon could cause drought with broad effects on the environment, public health, agriculture and the economy. She said the preparation follows instructions from Governor Yulius Selvanus.

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Extreme El Niño in North Sulawesi from late May through August 2026 will trigger drought and affect the environment, health, agriculture and the economy.

The governor has ordered officials to map areas vulnerable to drought, improve water management, accelerate planting and provide crop varieties that can withstand dry conditions. Officials also plan to adjust planting patterns and strengthen coordination among government agencies.

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We will prepare crops according to the requests of farmers in North Sulawesi that may suit the land they have.

Pangemanan said accurate vulnerability maps would help the regional government respond more quickly and target assistance more effectively. The department plans to prepare seedlings based on farmers’ requests and the conditions of their land.

One variety under consideration is upland rice, which is designed to grow in dry fields without standing water. Officials are prioritizing such measures because limited irrigation supplies could disrupt crop growth and increase the risk of failed harvests.

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Map the areas, optimize water management, accelerate planting using drought-resistant varieties, regulate planting patterns, and improve coordination and synergy.