Manila: The Iloilo provincial government has convened sugar industry stakeholders to coordinate efforts against the rapidly spreading red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI), which has already damaged more than 7,000 hectares of sugarcane plantations, or over 30 percent of the province's planted area. Officer-in-Charge Provincial Agriculturist Geron Magbanua said Wednesday the infestation continues to expand, citing data from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).
According to Philippines News Agency, farmers and millers are growing increasingly concerned about the threat posed by the RSSI. "Farmers and millers are worried because if the infestation continues to spread, there could be little sugarcane left to mill," Magbanua noted in a phone interview. He highlighted the alarming reproductive rate of the pest, with a single life cycle capable of producing over 300 eggs, and expressed concern about the potential acceleration of the infestation during the dry season, especially with the forecasted El Ni±o.
Sugarcane stands as Iloilo's second most valuable agricultural crop after rice, both in terms of production volume and economic value. To combat the pest, the SRA is actively conducting monitoring and an information campaign. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture has stepped in to provide chemical and biological control measures in areas affected beyond the jurisdiction of the SRA.
Local government units, working through their municipal agriculturists, have taken action by distributing pesticides and implementing additional control measures. Private sugar mills are also contributing by providing extra chemical support. Magbanua emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "This is the time for all concerned agencies to collaborate to stop the spread of these pests. While control measures are in place, we did not expect the infestation to spread this quickly."
The stakeholders' meeting has resulted in recommendations that will be submitted to Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. for potential provincewide interventions. These may include the adoption of a standard pest management protocol for sugarcane farmers. Magbanua stressed the need for a proactive approach, saying, "We want to institutionalize our response instead of remaining reactive."
Among the areas hardest hit by the infestation are Batad, Carles, Banate, Dingle, and Anilao. Reports of infestations have also emerged from Badiangan, Balasan, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Bingawan, Calinog, Concepcion, Due±as, Dumangas, Estancia, Janiuay, Lambunao, Passi City, Pototan, San Dionisio, San Enrique, San Rafael, and Sara.
