More cloud seeding needed as El Niño threatens Negros farms

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October 29, 2026 | 12:00am

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Amid threats posed by the dry spell, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking at conducting at least three more cloud seeding operations in Negros Occidental to help farmers cope with the effects of a super El Niño.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday that DA-Negros Island Region chief Jose Albert Barrogo informed him that a P30-million fund for the cloud seeding is available.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration will help identify areas where cloud seeding operations will be conducted.

Lacson said the P30-million allocation could sustain the initiative until the effects of El Niño subside.

The need for continued interventions came as moisture stress caused by the dry condition resulted in crop losses amounting to P41.98 million as of Oct. 23.

The dry spell has affected 1,511.46 hectares of lands and 2,403 farmers in 69 barangays across 14 local government units.

Rice and corn accounted for P38.26 million and P3.72 million in losses, respectively.

Recent rainfall has brought relief to affected farming communities although several farms, particularly in the northern part of Negros Occidental have yet to recover.

Lacson said current weather conditions remain favorable for agriculture, especially sugarcane because of the combination of rainfall and sunshine.

He said such conditions  may change once El Niño sets in.