&w=1200&q=75)
Cloud Seeding Operations Planned in Negros Occidental to Combat Crop Damage
DA sets cloud seeding over Negros as crops continue to wither
Image: Inquirer
The Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Soils and Water Management will initiate cloud seeding in Negros Occidental and Western Visayas to address severe crop damage from insufficient rainfall. The project, costing approximately P6 million, aims to mitigate losses that have already reached P16.2 million.
- 01The cloud seeding operations are set to begin in the first week of July 2023.
- 02The Bureau of Soils and Water Management has allocated P6 million for the cloud seeding initiative, with potential for increased funding.
- 03Local crop losses in Negros Occidental have already amounted to P16.2 million due to moisture stress affecting rice and high-value crops.
- 04The cloud seeding team will be based in Bacolod City, ready to deploy as soon as conditions are favorable.
- 05The Department of Agriculture is awaiting a complete report on the regional crop damage to assess the full impact of the drought.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
In response to severe crop damage caused by insufficient rainfall, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to commence cloud seeding operations in Negros Occidental and the broader Western Visayas region in the first week of July 2023. The initiative aims to mitigate the impact of moisture stress on local agriculture, which has already reported losses of ₱16.2 million to rice and high-value crops. Jose Albert Barrogo, the DA Negros Island Region Director, confirmed that the BSWM has allocated ₱6 million for this project, with the possibility of increasing the budget if necessary. The cloud seeding team will be stationed in Bacolod City, prepared to act immediately upon identifying suitable cloud formations. This intervention comes amid rising concerns over the extent of crop damage, as local reports indicate significant losses due to the ongoing drought conditions. The DA is currently awaiting a consolidated report to fully assess the regional agricultural impact.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The cloud seeding initiative aims to alleviate the severe crop damage in Negros Occidental, providing relief to local farmers affected by drought.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support government interventions like cloud seeding to mitigate agricultural damage?
Connecting to poll...
More about Department of Agriculture
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.