The United Sugar Producers’ Federation of the Philippines (UNIFED) is calling for emergency cloud seeding operations to save sugarcane crops from worsening dry conditions brought on by the onset of El Nino.
In letters to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, and Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, UNIFED President Manuel Lamata emphasized the “urgent need” for government intervention to prevent a productivity crisis.
“The lack of sufficient rainfall is adversely affecting crop growth, reducing yield potential, and increasing the risk of substantial economic losses”, Lamata said on Thursday, April 9.
Lamata said without any intervention the sugar industry, particularly the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of sugar farmers and workers, will face significant challenge.
Immediate cloud seeding intervention is crucial to help alleviate water scarcity, support irrigation needs and mitigate the negative impact of drought on sugarcane production, Lamata said.
“Early intervention will not only help preserve current crops but also ensure the stability and sustainability of the sugar industry in the coming months”, he added.*
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