Damaged industry to affect Negros
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson voiced concerns over the drought’s impact on the sugarcane industry, crucial to the province’s economy. With damages reaching P200,178,856, the region, supplying 60-65% of domestic sugar, faces a significant setback. United Sugar Producers Federation President Manuel Lamata supported importing sugar to bridge the gap until replanting begins after rains. Lamata expressed uncertainty about farmers’ recovery amidst the unprecedentedly dry conditions, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson expressed concern over the impact of a drought on the sugarcane industry and the economy of the province.
Lacson said the drought “will impact on Negros Occidental because sugar is still our primary agricultural product.”
“So we can expect less purchasing power from consumers,” he said.
He said that Negros Occidental incurred the biggest damage to sugarcane because it is the biggest sugar producer in the country.
“But if rain comes soon, it will minimize the damage because sugarcane is a sturdy crop,” Lacson pointed out.
The Sugar Regulatory Administration last week reported that the drought damage to sugar and molasses in Western Visayas has reached P215,700,114.
Negros Occidental was the hardest hit in the region with damage at P200,178,856.
Negros Occidental supplies 60 to 65 percent of the domestic sugar consumption.
In a radio interview, United Sugar Producers Federation President Manuel Lamata supported the decision to import sugar during the “gap” between the El Niño and the rainy season.
Lamata said El Niño created exceptionally dry conditions that affected sugar production.
He said the current season was something he had never seen before, and that he isn’t sure if farmers could recover.
“If you look at crops, you’ll feel pity. It’s like it’s been burned. It is dried up. I don’t know if they can recover even if it rains. Really, really bad,” lamented Lamata.
The situation may have delayed the production of sugar, Lamata said.
Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the farmers would begin to replant once the rains arrive.
But there would be a “gap” while waiting for the harvest, during which imports could enter the market.
“If it rains within the next few weeks, the replanting will begin. I saw on the ground that there would be a lack of supply… The call to import 185,000 to 200,000 metric tons of sugar is correct,” Lamata said.
Source Link : https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/05/16/regions/damaged-industry-to-affect-negros/1946779
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