Balayan, Batangas Mayor JR Fronda expressed concern over the effects of Taal Volcano's smog on crops and the livelihood of local farmers.
In a recent interview with DZRH, he reported that acid burns on rice plants have been observed since last week, and upon further inspection, it was confirmed that the smog is indeed affecting the rice crops.
Fronda: Simula pa po last week ay may acid burn na sa mga palay at pinagtingnan ko ulit kanina, at positive nga na meron itong epekto sa palay.#SOS #SpecialOnSaturday #SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) September 23, 2023
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He expressed worry that this could lead to a decrease in the farmers' harvest.
Fronda: Tayo po ay nag-aalala na baka mas bumaba po ang ani ng ating mga magsasaka. #SOS #SpecialOnSaturday #SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) September 23, 2023
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Mayor Fronda noted that while there have been no apparent effects on fish sauce (bagoong) production, the impact on rice remains uncertain, and the full extent of the damage to the 725 local farmers is yet to be determined.
Fronda: Wala pa naman pong epekto ang smog sa bagoong, ang worry ko lang po sa palay ay hindi pa po natin nakikita 'yung magiging ani dahil sobrang apektado po ang ating 725 farmers.#SOS #SpecialOnSaturday #SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) September 23, 2023
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Mayor Fronda's observations contradicted the claim made by the Bureau of Plant and Industry (BPI) that the smog from Taal Volcano has not had a negative impact on crops and plants in Batangas and Cavite.
BPI pointed out that certain plants are sensitive to sulfur dioxide, but they reassured the public that there is no immediate cause for alarm and that consuming vegetables and crops from the affected regions remains safe.
