The Department of Agriculture (DA) has released the updated version of its National Color-Coded Agricultural Guide (NCCAG) map seen to further help increase farmer productivity and income as a science-based decision-support tool.
The NCCAG map shows the natural suitability of economically important crops and major hazards based on projected climate scenarios up to 2050.
It overlays data on soil properties, elevation, slope, rainfall pattern, temperature and climate change-induced multi-hazards.
The database also features maps vital to crop growth and survivability such as water availability and climate data, as well as location-specific information on socio-economic conditions.
Alicia Ilaga, DA-CRAO director, said the was first activated and launched in 2017.
“The thematic datasets used in the NCCAG Map are obtained from different mapping source agencies, which generate new sets of data every five years. Updating the map ensures that all information remains accurate and up-to-date,” said Ilaga.
She also said the initiative aligns with the commitment to provide tools extending valuable insights and facilitate planning and decision-making processes affecting agricultural suitability, climate hazards and land cover data.
NCCAG’s latest version also features updated crop suitabilities, bringing the total number of economically important crops featured in the database from 20 to 21, including abaca, banana, cacao, cassava, coconut, coffee, corn, garlic/onion, legumes, mango, palm oil, papaya, pineapple, rice, rubber, sugarcane, sweet potato, taro, vegetables, yam and bamboo.
The updated version also introduces a new layer called Rice Suitability Zones, based on data from the Philippine Rice Information System that identifies current and potential expansion areas for rice cultivation and provides information on soil properties vital to rice growth.
The latest version also integrates the Climate Risk Vulnerability Assessment Maps of 63 provinces nationwide with users now capable of choosing from three distinct types of statistical data including crops suitability and multi-hazards; crops suitability and land cover; and multi-hazards, to provide a tailored and more user-friendly experience.
The NCCAG Map Version 2.0 is also available for public access at www.farmersguidemap.da.gov.ph.
