Bacolod City: The recent explosion of Kanlaon Volcano on Negros Island has spurred the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) into action, ordering tests on sugarcane and surrounding fields.
On Monday evening, June 3rd, a phreatic eruption, fueled by steam, sent a plume of ash 5,000 meters into the sky.
In response, SRA administrator Luis Azcona directed the agency’s research and development division to prioritize sampling sugarcane and the affected fields. He emphasized the need for data on the soil’s current acidity levels and how they might affect existing sugarcane crops in areas blanketed by volcanic ash.
“Reports from the field mention a strong sulfur odour accompanying the heavy rains across much of Central Negros,” explained Azcona, the SRA’s top official. “We’re aware that this can turn into sulfuric acid, potentially harming our sugarcane.”
The testing will involve collecting ash from sugarcane leaves and surface soil in the municipalities of La Castellana, Moises Padilla, Pontevedra, and La Carlota City, where fields have been painted grey by the volcanic ash.
Azcona noted reports that some farmers, capitalizing on the post-eruption downpours, planted new sugarcane crops yesterday. He urged the research department to expedite the test results.
“We’re hoping the rains washed away the volcanic ash from recently planted crops,” he added. “Our sugarcane fields already have naturally acidic soil, and we just want to confirm there’s no significant increase in acidity in affected areas that could cause problems.”
The SRA has also allocated P2 million for relief efforts in affected areas and an additional P500,000 to fund medical missions to address any eruption-related respiratory illnesses, if necessary.
