• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Department of Agriculture – Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) placed its planned cloud seeding operations for Negros Occidental and Panay on hold, following the onset of the rainy season, although funds remain available should weather conditions worsen in the coming months.
DA-NIR Regional Executive Director Engr. Jose Albert Barrogo said the agency initially prepared for cloud seeding in response to the forecasts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) indicating the possible development of the El Niño phenomenon.
Based on PAGASA projections, El Niño may develop between July and August and could persist until early next year. Rain-fed farms and areas with limited irrigation systems are expected to be among the most vulnerable.
“Because of PAGASA’s projections, we prepared for cloud seeding operations. However, since rains have already started and it is now the rainy season, the operation has been put on hold,” Barrogo said.
The DA-NIR set aside P6 million for cloud seeding activities, which will remain on standby and can be activated if prolonged dry conditions occur.
Barrogo said PAGASA projects the possible onset of El Niño between July and August, with effects potentially extending until the first quarter of next year. The DA-NIR will continue to monitor weather advisories before deciding whether artificial rainmaking operations are necessary.
“If the El Niño becomes severe, we are ready. If it does not happen, the funds will simply remain available and ready for use when needed,” he said.
While the Department of Agriculture has announced the reactivation of the Task Force El Niño, Barrogo said they are still awaiting a memorandum from Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. outlining specific directives.
“Before we can conduct any cloud seeding operations, a memorandum will still be needed. It is not being prioritized right now because it is already the rainy season,” Barrogo said.
According to the DA, at least 15 areas, mostly in Luzon, are already experiencing moisture stress, with agricultural damage exceeding P3 billion, particularly in rain-fed corn-producing regions.
To mitigate possible impacts, the DA has directed regional offices to preposition seeds, fertilizers and other farm inputs, rehabilitate irrigation systems, distribute drought-tolerant crop varieties, and prepare solar-powered irrigation systems, crop insurance assistance, credit support, and cloud seeding operations when necessary.*
