SRA assesses 6,797-hectare sugarcane damage from Mount Kanlaon

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is assessing damage to 6,797 hectares of sugarcane plantations on Negros Island caused by the recent eruption of Mount Kanlaon.

Administrator Pablo Azcona stated that their research center had to evacuate due to its proximity to the volcano and expressed concern over potential impacts on sugar production, noting that La Carlota, a major sugarcane area, was affected by ashfall.

Azcona emphasized that the acidity of ash poses a significant threat as it can burn sugarcane leaves, accelerating cane maturation and reducing yields, with an immediate impact on photosynthesis capacity and soil chemistry.

The SRA is preparing to assist affected farmers using funds saved from downsized Christmas celebrations and other measures, while hoping for rainfalls to wash away ash fall and lower acidity levels on crops.

Azcona also highlighted that the eruption could further decrease local sugar production, with La Carlota being one of the largest sugarcane areas in the country accounting for 10 percent of national sugar production.

The SRA projects a decrease in the country's sugar production to 1.78 million metric tons (MT) for the current crop year, down by 7.3% from the previous year due to combined effects of El Niño and potential La Niña phenomena.