Philippines sugarcane industry mitigation efforts

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is implementing various measures to protect the sugarcane industry from environmental and biological threats. To combat the effects of a Super El Niño, the SRA allocated P13 million for a second round of cloud-seeding operations in the Negros and Panay regions, following a successful first phase that utilized 11,400 kilograms of vacuum sodium chloride. These operations faced challenges due to the eruption of Mount Kanlaon, which created visibility issues and risks from volcanic ash.

In addition to weather modification, the SRA is seeking a 2-billion peso allocation under the Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SIDA). This proposed funding aims to improve irrigation infrastructure and manage red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestations. The pest management plan includes drone-based spraying and biological controls.

To ensure local food security, farmers and millers have agreed to reserve the country’s entire raw sugar output for domestic consumption, despite ongoing reviews regarding potential raw sugar exports to the United States.