By CESAR JOLITO III
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) turned over nearly P14.6 million worth of farm mechanization equipment at the SRA – La Granja Agricultural Research and Extension Center as part of its continuing support for sugarcane farmers affected by pest infestation and calamities.
The turnover ceremony was led by SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona and SRA Board Member and Planters Representative Dave Sanson.
A total of 229 gasoline-powered knapsack sprayers were distributed to Agrarian Reforms Beneficiaries composed of 193 block farms across the Visayas under projects funded by the Sugarcane Industry Development Act.
Twenty-eight units were designated to SRA Mill District Offices as standby equipment readily available for pullout whenever the need arises, while eight units were assigned to the research laboratory for field operations and station-based research activities.
Each sprayer, valued at around P64,000, has a 16-liter capacity and is designed to improve fertilizer and pest management applications in sugarcane farms.
Sanson said the power sprayers will be used for beneficial microorganisms, a foliar fertilizer will help farmers reduce dependence on costly traditional foliar fertilizers.
He added that the equipment can also strengthen efforts against red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) infestation, as the gasoline-powered sprayers can generate stronger pressure for more effective application of insecticides and SRA-developed fungal treatments.
Along with the sprayers, SRA also distributed personal protective equipment sets that include coverall suits, gloves, chemical respirator masks, and safety goggles for farmer safety during spraying operations.
Azcona said SRA continues to exert all efforts and maximize available funds to help farmers recover from RSSI infestation and flooding, particularly in Negros Occidental.
He noted that some farms in northern and central Negros experienced heavy production losses, with harvests dropping from around 70 to 80 tons to only about 40 tons due to the infestation.
Despite the challenges, Azcona said the projected nationwide decline in sugar production is currently estimated at around seven to nine percent, depending on how long the milling season will continue.
During the ceremony, Dr. Ma. Lourdes Almodiente, deputy administrator of research development and extension, emphasized the importance of the equipment in strengthening current pest and disease management initiatives in the sugar industry. She highlighted that the knapsack sprayer can be utilized for bio-microorganisms application, including the spraying of beneficial fungus against the red-striped soft scale insect, one of the emerging threats affecting sugarcane farms.
Meanwhile, Azcona assured stakeholders of the agency’s continued support to the sugarcane industry amid the prevailing Middle East crisis, which has triggered rising fuel and fertilizer costs that directly impact sugarcane farmers and agricultural production. He stressed that the agency remains at the forefront of delivering necessary assistance while prioritizing the welfare and needs of farmers and stakeholders in the sugar industry.
Sanson called for stronger cooperation and unity among sugarcane farmers in supporting the programs and initiatives of the SRA and the government./CJ, WDJ