LA CARLOTA, Negros Occidental — The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has warned that the ashfall from the eruption of Mount Kanlaon, which is believed to escalate into a major disaster in the coming days or weeks, would gravely impact the country’s sugar production.

Even before the eruption, the SRA had already projected a decline in sugar production for the current crop year, down 7.3 percent to 1.78 million metric tons from the previous year’s 1.92 million MT due to the El Niño and La Niña phenomena.

According to SRA administrator Pablo Azcona, initial reports from experts indicate that ashfall from the eruption is affecting sugar plantations in several areas of the Negros provinces, particulsrarly in La Carlota, Negros Occidental whuch is one if the country's biggest sugar producer.

The area, as well, is home to one of the largest sugar mills in the region and the biggest sugar farmers’ association in the country, Asociacion de Agricultores de La Carlota y Pontevedra Incorporated, which contributes nearly 10 percent of the country’s sugar production.

“The main problem, according to our technicians and scientists, is the acidity of ash. If it stays on the leaves, it will burn them. When the leaves are burned, what happens is that the canes mature much faster and go into inversion. Sugar turns into vinegar, more or less,” Azcona explained.

The SRA chief mentioned that In a similar eruption last June, they noted that volcanic ash caused physical damage to sugarcane leaves, reducing photosynthesis and disrupting soil biology and chemistry, which negatively affected sugar yield.

"Long-term effects include soil nutrient imbalance, compaction, erosion and chemical leaching that could lower soil pH levels," he cited.

Despite uncertainties, however, Azcona expressed hope that rainfall would help wash away the ashfall, reducing its acidity and even benefiting sugarcane plantations.

“If acidity is lowered, volcanic ashfall can help crops as it is rich in minerals and nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus and trace elements that enhance soil fertility over time and improve crop yields,” Azcona enthused.

He added that controlled fine ash particles could improve soil texture and water retention, aid root growth, reduce the need for frequent irrigation and act as a natural pesticide by deterring pests.