The United Sugar Producers’ Federation of the Philippines (UNIFED) urged the government to conduct cloud seeding to counter dry conditions threatening sugar production in Negros Occidental, which accounts for over 60 percent of the country’s output.
UNIFED president Manuel Lamata warned that the ongoing El Niño-induced drought could reduce yields and harm the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of sugar farmers and workers.
Domestic sugar output as of March 22 reached 1.35 million metric tons, down four percent from the previous crop year, while millsite prices fell more than 17 percent to ₱2,284 per 50-kilogram bag.
Lamata emphasized that cloud seeding could help alleviate water scarcity, support irrigation, and stabilize production amid financial strains from rising fuel costs.
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said it is ready to implement cloud seeding operations in coordination with local government units.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 10, 2026
SUGAR PRODUCERS URGE WEATHER INTERVENTION AS DROUGHT HITS CROPS
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