By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) said a black bug infestation in Barangay Batuan, La Carlota City has damaged 4.6 hectares of rice plantations.

OPA head Japhet Masculino said the black bugs caused burn manifestation, or nutrient burn, to rice plantations owned by La Carlota City Councilor Amalia Aguirre.

The OPA head released a warning to farmers in neighboring areas, suggesting they should closely monitor their respective fields because there is a chance the infestation could transfer to neighboring plantations.

Masculino said they are now conducting interventions in the area.

He also advised affected farmers to replant their fields, with the OPA offering seeds for replanting.

Masculino estimated the damage to Aguirre’s plantation at P200,000./DGB, WDJ