By CESAR JOLITO III
The Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations (Confed) supports immediate, large-scale spraying using drones and manual ground-based methods to combat the ongoing red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation, while cautioning against the use of airplane aerial spraying without sufficient scientific evaluation.
In a statement, Confed said it has consistently advocated for urgent, industry-wide intervention since the early stages of the infestation to prevent further losses among sugar farmers.
The group emphasized that it favors coordinated drone-assisted and manual ground spraying, alongside other science-based measures that can be safely and effectively implemented to protect standing sugarcane crops.
However, Confed clarified that it does not support airplane aerial spraying at this time, saying such an approach should only be considered after undergoing the necessary scientific, environmental and regulatory assessments to determine its safety and suitability under local conditions.
“It is inaccurate to suggest that Confed opposed immediate intervention through large-scale spraying,” the organization said, noting that it has repeatedly maintained that the RSSI outbreak cannot be effectively contained through isolated efforts by individual farms alone.
The group added that the scale of the infestation requires a coordinated, industry-wide response.
While recognizing biological control and other sustainable methods as essential long-term strategies, Confed said farmers currently facing imminent crop losses also need practical and immediate interventions as these measures continue to be expanded.
The statement comes amid ongoing discussions among government agencies, local officials and sugar industry stakeholders over the most effective approach to managing the widespread RSSI infestation affecting thousands of hectares of sugarcane plantations across Negros Island and other sugar-producing areas.
Confed reiterated that it remains committed to supporting measures that are effective, science-based, environmentally responsible, and in the best interest of sugar farmers and the Philippine sugar industry./CCJ, WDJ