SRA dedicates PHP66M to aid sugarcane farmers

BACOLOD CITY – Facing the challenges posed by the El Niño phenomenon, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has earmarked PHP66 million to support sugarcane farmers in Negros Occidental, the nation’s leading sugar producer.

The assistance is geared toward implementing measures to mitigate the adverse effects of the prolonged dry weather, which threatens the vitality of the local sugar industry.

In a recent briefing, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona detailed the allocation, confirming the SRA Board’s approval.

“For El Niño mitigation measures, here in Negros, we have released irrigation equipment for 100 hectares of sugar plantations. We will release more small-sized irrigation units for small farmers on March 19,” Azcona said.

The strategy extends beyond just irrigation equipment; it includes the distribution of shallow tube wells and state-of-the-art automated weather stations equipped with moisture sensors.

These sensors are capable of monitoring soil moisture levels within a three-kilometer radius of the weather station, providing crucial data to help farmers make informed decisions.

Azcona outlined the present situation in Negros Occidental, where the SRA is assessing the extent of the damage inflicted on sugarcane plantations.

Initial findings indicate the most severe impact has been on farms in the central and southern parts of the province, especially around Kabankalan City, which has not seen significant rainfall since the end of October.

In collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, the SRA is exploring further avenues to combat the drought, including the potential for cloud seeding in critical areas.

“( Agriculture) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said his people are on it. They will just validate the data; they are willing to do it,” Azcona said.

Amidst these trials, the SRA chief provided a current snapshot of the sugar industry’s performance.

The nation’s estimated total sugar production stands at 1.55 million metric tons (MT), slightly ahead of the previous year’s figures for the same period.

However, concerns arise as some mills are already signaling an early closure, an unexpected development at this juncture of the milling season, which traditionally lasts until May.

The big question looms: “Will we hit our initial estimate of 1.85 million MT?” Azcona posed, expressing the uncertainty that lies ahead.

The SRA is now diligently verifying production data to gauge the real impact of the current climatic challenges on the sugarcane crop.

The SRA’s Sugar Order No. 1, issued last September, had projected the total raw sugar production for the crop year 2023-2024 at 1.85 million MT. This estimate factored in a potential decline of 10 to 15 percent due to El Niño.

The previous crop year yielded a total production volume of 1.799 million MT, setting a benchmark for the current year’s expectations.