• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Following the discovery of rice black bug infestation in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, the Department of Agriculture-Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) assured rice farmers that it has not posed a significant risk to local rice production.
DA-NIR Regional Director Albert Barrogo said on Thursday (Jan. 22) that the pest infestation is only at 0.6 percent in four out of 10 rice fields, where samples have been taken in Barangay Maslog.
“Based on our actual inspection of the rice paddies, the number of rice black bugs found is minimal,” he added.
He said that only one or two insects were detected across samples taken from 1.5 hectares of farmland.
Barrogo noted that there is a “very slim” chance that it will spread to Negros Occidental due to wind direction.
To maintain crop health across the region, the DA-NIR is reminding all agricultural stakeholders to stay alert and monitor their fields regularly.
The agency encouraged farmers to immediately report any sign of pests for proper assessment and guidance.
Barrogo said they will schedule a light trapping activity three day after Feb. 2 during the full moon. | GB
