• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental Provincial Biosecurity Task Force has completed the initial validation of more than 4,640 hectares of sugarcane fields affected by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) across several local government units (LGUs), paving the way for more targeted interventions against the pest.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the validation report contains detailed information on infestation levels, affected locations by LGU, and the status of control measures implemented in the identified areas.
Diaz added that the Task Force will intensify the production and distribution of biological control materials beginning next week to strengthen the province’s campaign against RSSI and prevent its further spread.
The validated data will enable the Provincial Biosecurity Task Force to make informed decisions in implementing focused interventions aimed at containing infestations while protecting healthy sugarcane plantations throughout the province.
Based on data from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), Negros Occidental has a total of 190,315 hectares of sugarcane plantations.
Of this, 31,432 hectares have been reported to be affected by RSSI, with 15,264 farmers validated to have been impacted by the infestation.
Among the affected LGUs, Kabankalan City recorded the largest infestation, with 5,522 hectares of sugarcane fields affected.
It was followed by La Castellana with 2,071 hectares, and Bago City, 1,250 hectares, based on the data as of July 24.
To further strengthen field operations, the Provincial Soils Laboratory will begin distributing Metarhizium, a biological control agent, next week to validated areas that are far from the Task Force’s operational centers or are difficult to access.
Diaz said the initiative aims to ensure that farmers in remote areas receive timely assistance in managing RSSI infestations and minimizing damage to sugarcane production. | GPB
