The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is allocating ₱13 million for a second phase of cloudseeding operations scheduled in November to buffer sugar lands against the threat of an expected Super El Niño.
SRA Board Member David Andrew Sanson on Friday, Oct. 16, announced the funding allocation following the completion of an initial ₱6 million joint cloudseeding campaign with the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The cloud seeding operation which started September 7 with a budget of P6 million from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management – Department of Agriculture wrapped up its operation Wednesday, October 14, with a reported 100 percent rain fall success rate.
“I commend our men and women in the Air Force and the DA for ensuring the success of the operations, despite the many challenges they encountered, particularly with the dangers posed by the volcanic eruptions,” Sanson said.
The team reported three major challenges including limited target due to varying crop stages, reduced visibility due to effects of the Mt. Kanlaon volcanic eruption and the risk blockage of the aircraft’s air intake system due to volcanic ash, which could adversely affect engine performance and flight safety.
A total of 52 hours of flying time around the 2 regions was reported and 456 bags of salt equivalent to more than 11,000 bags were used for the cloud seeding operations.
Sanson said SRA will fund the extended aerial rain-making operations in November aimed at safeguarding sugarcane and other vital agricultural crops as dry conditions worsen.*
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