Politics · Philippines Bureau
Sugar planters hail SRA's P30M cloud seeding initiative for Visayas
The Sugar Regulatory Administration has earmarked P30 million for cloud seeding operations across the Visayas region to counter severe El Niño impacts on sugar production. The funding has been welcomed by major planter groups as a crucial intervention during the drought crisis.
LSN Philippines ·
BACOLOD CITY — The Sugar Regulatory Administration's decision to allocate P30 million for cloud seeding operations in the Visayas has drawn strong support from the sugar industry as farmers grapple with the effects of an intense El Niño phenomenon. Manuel Lamata, president of the United Sugar Producers Federation, confirmed the funding commitment on Friday, noting that the administration had formally communicated the allocation to industry representatives.
The cloud seeding initiative targets major sugar-producing provinces including Negros Occidental and Panay, where drought conditions have threatened crop yields and farmer livelihoods. The measure represents a coordinated effort to artificially induce rainfall in affected areas, providing relief during the extended dry period.
Industry observers characterize the intervention as a timely response to mounting pressures on the local sugar sector. El Niño-driven weather patterns have intensified water scarcity across the region's key plantation areas, prompting calls for government action to mitigate agricultural losses.
The SRA's support underscores the administration's commitment to stabilizing sugar production amid climate challenges. Planters have indicated that the cloud seeding program, combined with other drought mitigation measures, could help sustain productivity through the critical growing season.