By JEN BAYLON

The Murcia municipal government in Negros Occidental launched a massive effort to combat the fall armyworm infestation that has affected hundreds of hectares of corn and rice fields in the municipality.

Murcia Mayor Gerry Rojas said the local government procured insecticides to be used on affected farms to prevent further damage to the crops.

The provincial government has also provided insecticides for the affected farmers.

The local government unit also conducted seminars for farmers on how to effectively manage the infestation.

Some 100 hectares of corn and rice fields in several barangays in Murcia are affected by the infestation, with around 40 to 50 farmers impacted.

Rojas emphasized that the municipality is vulnerable to armyworm infestation due to its proximity to other areas which have already been affected.

He assured that they are doing everything to contain the pests and protect the livelihood of the farmers./JB, WDJ