DA allocates P15M for cloud seeding in Negros Occidental

BACOLOD, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has set aside P15 million for cloud seeding operations in Negros Occidental province, which has so far incurred losses in agricultural crops and livestock worth P28 million due to the continuing dry spell.

Newly-installed DA Regional Director Roy Abaya said they are waiting for the requests from various local government units (LGUs) that are affected by the dry spell.

He said that P15 million is available to LGUs that need to conduct cloud seeding.

In Western Visayas, only Negros Occidental and Iloilo were affected by the drought, he said.

Cloud seeding operations in Negros Occidental started on April 23. 

Abaya said the provincial government had allocated P2.5 million, and the agency can augment this fund if requested.

Of the 40 flying hours covered by the P2.5 million budget, the provincial government has only utilized 11 hours.

Abaya was installed as regional director on April 27 after the Ombudsman dismissed from service DA regional head Larry Nacionales and 4 other officials, who were found guilty of gross misconduct in the anomalous implementation of agricultural projects in the 4th district of Negros Occidental. – Rappler.com

Image of farmer planting in parched land from Shutterstock