By CESAR JOLITO III
The red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation continues to threaten the sugar industry in Negros Island, with nearly 14,000 hectares of sugarcane plantations already confirmed affected, prompting calls for urgent government intervention.
Based on SRA monitoring as of June 21, around 76,607 hectares, or 32.02 percent of 239,215.62 hectares of sugarcane farms, have been reported affected by the pest.
However, field validation has so far confirmed RSSI infestation in 13,797.59 hectares across Negros Island.
Of the validated affected areas, 12,332.56 hectares are located in Negros Occidental while 1,465.03 hectares are in Negros Oriental. The infestation has impacted 5,258 sugarcane farmers in 333 barangays.
During a meeting between officials of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), sugar industry stakeholders, and the provincial government of Negros Occidental yesterday, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona described the situation as one of the most serious challenges currently confronting the sugar industry, noting that the pest outbreak worsened following the prolonged dry season.
“The RSSI situation has already reached outbreak levels, making it a serious threat to sugar production and the livelihood of thousands of farmers,” he said.
In Negros Occidental alone, SRA data showed that out of 30,381.46 hectares initially reported affected, 4,091.93 hectares have been validated as infested.
A total of 1,652 farmers in 158 barangays have been directly affected.
Silay City recorded the largest validated infestation area at 716.34 hectares, followed by E.B. Magalona with 503.07 hectares, Sagay City with 417.13 hectares, Murcia with 416.96 hectares, and Victorias City with 369.46 hectares.
Murcia also posted the highest number of affected farmers with 349.
Azcona said provincial officials acknowledged the severity of the situation during the meeting and are exploring measures to provide assistance to affected farmers.
Among the options being considered are the revival of an earlier state of calamity declaration or the passage of a new resolution specifically addressing the RSSI outbreak./CCJ, WDJ