Negros Occidental farmers turning to inter-cropping amid sugar price slump

BACOLOD CITY – The National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW) is considering crop conversion or inter-cropping in Negros Occidental amid the steady decline in the price of sugar.

(NFSW) chairman Rolando Rillo said the inter-cropping of sugar with other vegetables are being discussed and now implemented by some farmers and farm workers.

He cited that while sugarcane plants are not yet fully-grown, vegetables are likewise planted to ensure a steady source of food and income.

The assistance of the provincial government through the supply of vegetable seeds has also been sought.

“Just in case the crises on sugar will continue to worsen, crop conversion will be our last resort,” he said.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration weekly mill site prices show that the average composite price of sugar has been on a steady decline in the past three months.

In September, the average composite price was P1,271.50, which dropped to P1,252.12 in October, and P1,176.59 last month.

Rillo also called on the Department of Labor and Employment to ensure that the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) Fund for all farmers and farm workers are properly used.

SAP is a program in the sugar industry that allows it to set up funds to uplift the living conditions of the farmers, millers, and workers by getting P10 per kilogram in the sugar milling districts.

The program was institutionalized 1974 through Presidential Decree No. 621 and expanded through the Republic Act No. 6982 in 1991 to augment the income of workers, finance socio-economic programs, promote sugar workers’ welfare and social protection and increase stakeholders’ participation in decision making to policies related to the industry.