By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental provincial government is preparing to conduct cloud-seeding operations to address the effects of El Niño on local farmlands.

According to AccuWeather, El Niño is a climate pattern that raises sea temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Such a system can contribute to drought conditions due to reduced rainfall.

Provincial agriculturist, Atty. Japhet Masculino, said they are currently completing required documentation to be submitted to the regional Department of Agriculture office.

“We are collating data to prove that there is need for cloud-seeding operations,” he explained.

Masculino pointed out, mango trees are in their flowering stage and said, “We are still studying the effects of any cloud-seeding on the mango trees.”

He also said they are processing the purchase of axial water pumps, which would allow the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist to tap water sources near farmlands.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration warned a mild El Niño will hit the country and is expected to last until August or September./DGB, WDJ