• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is allocating P30 million for cloudseeding operations in the Visayas to help mitigate the impact of the projected super El Niño.
In a statement on Oct. 30, Manuel Lamata, president of the United Sugar Producers Federation (UNIFED), said he received a letter from SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona dated Oct. 26, confirming that the agency has set aside the budget for cloudseeding operations, particularly in Negros and Panay.
“We are thankful to Administrator Azcona for proactively addressing our concerns, and we are hoping that the budget is more than enough to get us through the super El Niño,” Lamata said.
He added that UNIFED was informed that the cloudseeding operations are expected to begin this November.
Lamata also expressed appreciation to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel for funding the cloudseeding operations last month and for announcing that the Department of Agriculture (DA) will allocate additional funds for similar operations next year.
“These actions from Azcona and Laurel, especially during these dire times when we are faced with drought, pest infestation, rising cost of fuel and farm inputs, show their concern for the sugar industry, and we are very grateful that we have proactive leaders like them,” Lamata said.
The cloudseeding initiative is expected to provide additional rainfall in key sugar-producing areas as the industry braces for the effects of El Niño, which could further threaten farm productivity and the livelihoods of sugarcane farmers and workers. | GPB
