• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Sugar farmers and industry leaders have raised concerns over the growing infestation of the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI), warning that the pest may have contributed to the decline in sugar production last year and could cause even greater losses, if left unchecked.
Former Negros Occidental Governor Rafael Coscolluela, who is among the affected farmers, said that RSSI is a serious problem that needs a comprehensive province-wide campaign.
“This is a call for urgent coordinated action,” Coscolluela said, citing the rapid spread of the pest and its potential impact on sugar production.
In a statement, United Sugar Producers Federation (UNIFED) president Manuel Lamata expressed alarm over the rapid spread of the infestation across Negros Island, saying affected areas are reportedly doubling every week.
“The figures are alarming, doubling on a weekly basis, and our planters, particularly the small farmers, are worried about what this massive infestation will do to our crops,” Lamata said.
UNIFED has scheduled a meeting on June 23 with Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, members of the Provincial Board, and officials of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to discuss measures to contain the infestation.
Lamata noted that RSSI was first detected in sugarcane plantations last year, but described the current outbreak as significantly more severe.
“It came in while our sugar crops were already standing, and although it has done some damage, what we are seeing now is worse than what we witnessed last year. This needs intervention from all sectors, both government and private,” he added.
The Department of Agriculture-Negros Island Region (DA-NIR) is pushing for the creation of provincial task forces in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental to strengthen efforts against the pest outbreak.
DA-NIR Regional Director Jose Albert Barrogo said more than 4,600 hectares of sugarcane plantations across Negros Island have already been affected by RSSI, based on consultations with sugarcane planters.
More than 200 hectares of sugarcane farms in Iloilo and Capiz were also hit by RSSI infestations, data of the SRA showed.
Barrogo recommended that the governors of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental lead the proposed task forces to ensure a coordinated response.
He also emphasized the need to establish research laboratories in the region to develop scientific solutions and support the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry.
In Negros Oriental, Mabinay Mayor Ernie Uy reported that more than 500 hectares of sugarcane plantations in their municipality have been infested.
He warned that the pest could spread to neighboring cities, including Bais and Bayawan, if immediate action is not taken.
To mitigate the impact on affected farmers, the DA has committed to increasing the production of corn and other high-value crops as alternative livelihood options for those whose sugarcane farms have been severely damaged. | GPB
