Sugar mills in Negros Occidental have begun accepting canes as the crop year 2025-2026 officially begun yesterday amid the continuing challenge posed by the infestation of red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) in sugarcane plantations in the province.

October 1 is the official start of the milling season, but the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) moved it to the nearest Monday, which is September 29.

In a statement, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the schedule accomplishes the three-year transition period to return the commencement of the milling season to the last quarter of the year.

“Three years ago, it was September 1. Then last year, it was September 15. Moving forward, it will now officially be October 1,” he said.

The URC La Carlota started cane acceptance at the mill site in La Carlota City on September 27, and at transloading stations on September 29.

The Binalbagan-Isabela Sugar Co. (Biscom) Inc. in Binalbagan town also began accepting canes on September 27 and will start milling on September 30.

In Talisay City, First Farmers Holding Corp. started accepting canes at transloading stations on September 27 and at the mill site on September 28.

Victorias Milling Company Inc. in Victorias City commenced cane acceptance on September 27 as well.

The Hawaiian-Philippine Company in Silay City said it started receiving canes both at the mill site and transloading stations on September 29.

In their respective announcements, the sugar mills said “milling operation will commence as soon as there is sufficient cane supply.”

Azcona continued to call on sugar farmers to remain vigilant and work with the SRA in preventing the spread of RSSI infestation, particularly in Negros and Panay.

RSSI could reduce the sugar content of infested canes by almost 50 percent, based on the study by the SRA. (PNA)