P30 million cloud-seeding brings hope to Visayas sugar farms

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — As the Visayas sugar industry braces for the looming threat of a projected super El Niño, a much-needed dose of hope may soon come from the skies.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is setting aside P30 million for cloud-seeding operations in the Visayas, particularly in Negros Island and Panay, to help ease the impact of prolonged dry conditions on sugarcane farms.

United Sugar Producers Federation (UNIFED) president Manuel Lamata said he received a letter from SRA administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, dated Oct. 26, confirming the funds have been allocated.

The cloud-seeding operations are expected to begin this November.

Lamata expressed gratitude to Azcona for taking early action, saying the industry hopes the funding will be enough to help sugar farmers weather the difficult months ahead.

Lamata thanked Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel for funding cloud-seeding operations last month and for announcing the Department of Agriculture will provide additional funding for similar efforts next year.

For sugarcane farmers already facing drought, pest infestation and rising fuel and farm-input costs, every drop of rain could make a difference.

Lamata said the actions of Azcona and Laurel demonstrate their concern for the sugar industry, particularly during a challenging period for farmers and workers.