With sugarcane farms in the islands of Negros and Panay already affected by the red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) infestation, the Sugar Regulatory Administration and
farmers have joined hands to prevent the pests from infecting Mindanao, especially Bukidnon.
SRA head Pablo Luis Azcona disclosed recently that Mindanao recorded an increase in sugar production by 103,000 metric tons this year, with 97,000MT attributed as coming from Bukidnon.
Negros, on the other hand, increased sugar production by 2,000MT, Azcona added.
“We are trying our best to protect Bukidnon from RSSI,” the SRA head said, as he lauded the vigilance of farmers on the recent entry of canepoints that originated from Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental, which were immediately treated to ensure it will be RSSI-free.
More than 1,900 hectares of sugarcane fields in Mabinay in Negros Oriental and 17 other towns and cities in Negros Occidental, have been affected by the RSSI infestations, as of June 25.
About 228.16 hectares of infested areas were reported by SRA to be recovering in Bago City, Murcia, EB Magalona, Silay City, Victorias City, and Manapla in Negros Occidental; Mabinay in Negros Oriental; and Sigma in Capiz.
We cannot totally eliminate it (RSSI) right away, but through education and awareness of the farmers, we will learn to control it, live with it, and prevent it, said Azcona, who also acknowledged the active involvement of the private sector in addressing RSSI concerns.
He also reiterated his request for the affected LGUs to declare a state of urgency for them to fast track the procurement process for pesticides to stop the RSSI infestations.
The Department of Agriculture has allocated P10 million for the SRA to purchase pesticides.
Azcona also reported that they are developing and breeding ‘parasitoids’, which are endemic in the province, to combat the pest infestations.
The SRA earlier reported that RSSI infestations may potentially reduce the sugar content of infested canes by almost 50 percent.
Hopefully, it will not affect sugar production next year, Azcona said, noting that sugar production has been increasing over the past three years. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds photo by tvds)
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