Saturday, March 29, 2008 Businessman worries about water By Gil Alfredo B. Severino
FRANK Carbon of shipping line Weesam has described the "unexplainable" hike in rice prices as both "fuel cost push" and a "demand push" increase, owing to the robust economic growth of China and India.
Just as in shipping where fares had to be hiked to cope up with fuel increase, Carbon surmised similar situation for rice farmers who have to contend with fuel-based fertilizers and other farm implements.
But Carbon's concern is more on the availability of water irrigation than the "communal irrigation system," which he said had expanded rice planted areas in Negros Occidental.
"Imagine tons and tons of water which we can impound, rather than letting them go to the sea with no economic use at all!" stressed Carbon.
He cited studies of rainfall in Negros, which could irrigate some 20 to 30 thousand hectares of farmlands depending on the size of the dam. "What more if it is a dam big enough to contain Bago River for example?"
"It is the unavailability of water that will surely lead the province into a crisis, being an agricultural province," he also stressed. "It is high time to invest in irrigation-infra system. The issue on rice is a wake up call."
Carbon explained, however, that when talking about water, we talk of a forest that collects, gathers, and holds tons and tons of water. "Our highly depleted forest system is alarming. Soon, it will take its toll on our water supply. What crop will ever grow if this is the case?"
Meanwhile, independent consultant and sugar farm owner Jose Maria 'Boy' Zayco, on Friday recalled the late Governor Joseph Marañon's dream of constructing the Negros irrigation highway, but is not sure as to what level the plan is now.
"The irrigation highway will connect seven rivers of Negros Occidental, including the Oriental side, and will 'water' agricultural farms, generate electricity and create leisure parks for all to enjoy," Zayco said.
"I am sure Governor Isidro Zayco will continue what the late governor began," he added.
Zayco assured that from various sources known to him, there is no rice shortage in Negros or Western Visayas and that unsold stocks are still available.
