By JEN BAYLON
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has formally requested P10 million in assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to combat the alarming spread of red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI), which are now affecting sugarcane plantations in 11 local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental, the country’s major sugar-producing province.
The SRA is set to submit a proposal to DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. for the fund, which will be used to address the immediate threat posed by the pests, DA in Negros Island Region (NIR) Executive Director Engineer Jose Albert Barrogo said during a high-level meeting with the SRA last week.
The DA and SRA agreed on a swift, coordinated response against the RSSI infestation.
“We are also establishing an inter-agency task force led by the SRA to oversee the containment efforts. DA in Western Visayas will provide immediate insecticides, although we are still verifying availability since our buffer stocks are intended for rice, corn and other crops,” Barrogo said.
As of Friday, May 23, the RSSI infestation has been reported in 87 hectares of sugarcane across 11 LGUs in the province.
The affected areas include the cities of Silay, Talisay, Victorias, and Cadiz, as well as the municipalities of E.B. Magalona, Manapla and Toboso in the north.
The RSSI also infested sugarcane farms in the cities of La Carlota and Bago, and La Castellana town in the south; as well as Murcia town in central Negros.
Most farms are experiencing mild infestation at around 20 percent, with one 12-hectare area in the north reporting a severe infestation rate of 70 percent — though this area is now under treatment.
Meanwhile, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona has also sought the support of the 11 chief executives, including Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, to help control the spread in their respective localities.
“We are also seeking your assistance to advocate among the LGUs and farmers in the province,” Azcona said.
Containment measures
Azcona appealed to farmers to halt the transport of planting materials to Negros until the infestation is fully contained.
“If exchange is necessary, ensure insecticide treatment, by soaking, is applied before planting,” he added.
Farmers are also advised to immediately “cordon off infested areas until protocols are in place on how best to contain or curb these pests.”
Azcona said RSSI can rapidly spread from one farm to another, and if not contained, the pests pose a significant threat to the crops.
“We cannot afford to have an infestation, as some farmers are already starting to plant their canes for the next crop year,” Azcona said.
“We made a good showing this year despite the challenges brought about by the long drought. I hope we can maintain the momentum and even exceed our targets for next year if we will all help one another in containing this infestation,” he added.
Researchers emphasized the importance of early monitoring, detection and insecticide spraying to prevent the spread of RSSI infestation.
In cases of massive infestation, they recommend de-trashing and immediate burning of affected canes.
Immediate action, support
In consultation with DA-NIR, the SRA has requested assistance for the purchase of pesticides for small farmers, quarantine measures and logistical support.
The DA has committed to deploying pesticide sprayer tankers — two in Negros and one in Panay — after reports that some infested canes are being transported to Panay from Negros.
Manolet Lamata, president of the United Sugar Producers Federation, noted that the infestation is currently localized.
“Six areas na ang na-pinpoint kun diin [may infestation]. I think the SRA is gathering manpower para nga pang-sprayhan sang insecticide. I think it’s being controlled kag, hopefully, indi na siya mag-spread,” Lamata said.
“Dapat wala sang may nagatabok, neither coming in nor coming out,” he said, stressing the need for strict quarantine of goods to prevent further spread./JB, WDJ