RAMON, Isabela, January 4 (PIA) – The National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MRIIS) and the SN Aboitiz Power Magat has started conducting a cloud seeding operations to supply the Magat reservoir enough water for irrigation and power use.

Engr. Wilfredo Gloria, engineering and operations chief of NIA-MRIIS, said the SN Aboitiz Power based at Magat reservoir in Ramon town has allotted and financed 30 flying hours for cloud seeding operations to be conducted at the Magat dam watershed areas to produce artificial rain to fill the Magat dam.

Engr. Gloria said the cloud seeding operations was started last December 21, 2012 and has already produced rains at the Magat watershed areas and the occurrence of northeast monsoon has added to the stored water at the reservoir.

Gloria said the cloud seeding operation will continue this month until there will be enough water stored inside the dam.

He said the water elevation of the dam last December 21, 2012 was 182.69 meters and last December 31, 2012, it has elevated to 183.44 meters.

The NIA-MRIIS official said the Magat dam is rendering irrigation service to rice and fish farmers in the provinces of Isabela and Quirino while the SN Aboitiz is producing hydropower for the consumption of the public.

The NIA-MRIIS is considering a rotational water release in order that all farmlands in its service areas will be able to use water until the harvesting time.

Magat dam is primary using its stored water for irrigation service while only secondarily used as hydro power using power turbines to produce power.