By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental provincial agriculturist, Atty. Japhet Masculino, recently affirmed cloud seeding operations could begin in the province next month.

He said Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Soils and Water Management have already completed their assessment of certain areas believed to be in need of such an operation.

Masculino said three national government agencies are currently processing their request for cloud seeding operations.

He added, the Sugar Regulatory Administration has an agreement with the Philippine Air Force to conduct cloud seeding in sugar farms affected by El Niño.

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.

Masculino said the provincial government has set aside P2.5 million for cloud seeding, with each operation costing P40,000. He noted, based on his estimates, the amount is enough to conduct one-hour long cloud seeding sessions every day for 45 days.

Based on a recent report by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, around 445 farmers in five localities have incurred P16 million crop losses over 408.53 hectares of rice farms due to the prolonged dry spell./DGB, WDJ