Dumaguete city: The provincial government of Negros Oriental has distributed pesticides to local government units (LGUs) affected by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI), even as the infested areas decreased. Emmanuel Caduyac, chief of the Provincial Agriculturist's Office, told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday that spraying of affected sugarcane plantations will begin as the province prepares for the start of the sugar milling season in October or November.
According to Philippines News Agency, more than 4,000 liters of pesticide have been distributed to LGUs affected by the RSSI to initiate containment measures as the sugarcane milling season approaches. Caduyac mentioned that Bais City and Mabinay had already commenced spraying infested sugarcane fields prior to the distribution of the pesticides.
The distribution is part of the provincial government's measures following an executive order by Governor Manuel Sagarbarria, which created a task force for pest containment and agricultural recovery. Announced on social media, the task force will oversee control measures through chemical spraying and other interventions, including establishing biocontrol laboratories.
The task force comprises representatives from national government agencies, LGUs, the private sector, sugarcane farmers and their associations, and sugar mills. Caduyac noted that Mabinay, Bayawan City, and Bais City were the most affected areas, with 4,778 hectares, 2,683 hectares, and 1,702 hectares affected, respectively.
Data from the Sugar Regulatory Administration helped determine the affected areas and calculate the volume of pesticides allocated to the LGUs. Caduyac also highlighted a decrease in the estimated affected area from about 17,000 hectares to around 16,000 hectares due to recovery and pest elimination.
A second batch of pesticides will be supplied by sugar mills committed to supporting the provincial government's containment efforts, as they rely on sugarcane for milling. Other areas reporting RSSI infestation include Ayungon, Bindoy, Canlaon City, Guihulngan City, Jimalalud, Manjuyod, Tayasan, Vallehermoso, Amlan, Pamplona, and Tanjay City.
Source: Philippine News Agency
