By JEN BAYLON

The Department of Agriculture in Western Visayas (DA-6) said there is a possibility to conduct cloud seeding operations in Negros Occidental next week to mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon on crops.

DA-6 Executive Director Engineer Jose Albert Barrogo said yesterday they observed the presence of seedable clouds in some parts of the province.

“Kun lantawon naton, tuod nga may presence na sang ulan,” Barrogo said.

“Pero kung basehan naton ang forecast sang Pagasa sa subong nga bulan, below normal man sa gihapon ang ulan. Indi pa siya mag-normalize,” he added.

Barrogo assured that they are working on the budget to be allocated for cloud seeding operations.

“That’s why gina-try gid namon, kung maayos ni director ang about sa budget, basi maka-cloud seeding kita,” he added.

Barrogo pointed out that cloud seeding is not intended to create artificial rain, but rather to enhance the natural process of precipitation.

However, he clarified that it is not a magic solution that can produce rain instantly.

Earlier this week, the Negros Occidental Association of Chief Executives (ACE) called on the DA to conduct cloud seeding in the province as soon as possible.

In a resolution, the ACE said there is a need to promptly and adequately address the massive and extensive drought caused by El Niño.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist reported that agricultural damage due to drought in Negros Occidental reached P318 million./JB, WDJ