The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) assures the public that it is closely monitoring the ongoing frost phenomenon currently affecting parts of Benguet. As of today, the DA-CAR has not received any reports of crop damage from the affected municipalities.
Records from the DA-CAR indicate that the last crop damage reported was in 2023, and there were no frost-related crop damages reported in 2024.
Frost, locally known as “andap,” occurs when temperatures drop to near or below freezing, causing moisture in the atmosphere to condense and freeze on surfaces such as plants. This phenomenon is common in high-altitude areas like Benguet during the colder months of the year, typically from December to February.
While frost can create stunning landscapes, it can have detrimental effects on crops. It can damage plant tissues, reduce crop yields, and, in severe cases, cause crop loss. Leafy vegetables and other high-value crops, which are the primary agricultural produce of Benguet, are particularly vulnerable to frost. However, it is important to note that grown or nearly harvestable crops are not typically affected by frost, as they have already matured and are less susceptible to cold temperatures.
Frost forms when clear skies, cold temperatures, and calm winds allow heat to escape from the ground, causing a rapid drop in temperature near the surface. This cooling effect freezes the dew or moisture on plants, forming ice crystals.
Farmers in Benguet, however, are well-versed in managing the effects of frost, having dealt with this natural occurrence for years. Common mitigation measures include watering crops in the early morning to reduce frost damage and covering plant parts beneath the soil surface with a layer of soil and other materials.
The DA-CAR encourages farmers to remain proactive in implementing these measures. Moreover, the Agency urges farmers to promptly report any frost-related crop damages to their respective Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs) for assessment and assistance.
In the meantime, the DA-CAR is in close coordination with the MAOs to monitor the situation and ensure that immediate interventions are ready, should they be needed. By Leny D. Mendoza
