DA Begins Sugarcane Disinfection to Stop Pest Spread

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Agriculture has launched a disinfection operation to combat the rapid spread of Red-Striped Soft Scale Insects (RSSI) in sugarcane farms across Negros and Panay.

The agency deployed its Mobile Disinfection Unit to spray pesticide on affected sugarcane fields.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who visited last week with Sugar Regulatory Administration head Pablo Luis Azcona, observed how the unit speeds up pesticide application in infested areas.

SRA records show that RSSI has already affected 546.10 hectares of sugarcane farms in 16 cities and municipalities on the two islands.

At least 294 farmers have been impacted.

Bago City is the hardest hit, with 124.76 hectares affected.

Other areas include Cadiz City with 84.97 hectares, Manapla with 74.55 hectares, Victorias City with 74.14 hectares, Murcia with 63.62 hectares, La Carlota City with 31.77 hectares, La Castellana with 26.51 hectares, Silay City with 22.97 hectares, EB Magalona with 15.26 hectares, Bacolod City with 7 hectares, Calatrava with 6 hectares, Sagay City with 5.32 hectares, Toboso with 4.63 hectares, Mabinay with 2.60 hectares, Sigma with 1.60 hectares and Anilao with 0.50 hectare.

Laurel earlier confirmed his approval of the PHP10 million requested by the SRA to address the infestation.

He added that the DA and the Bureau of Plant Industry are validating affected farms before launching full-scale pesticide spraying.

Laurel also reaffirmed the DA’s support for the SRA and Negros farmers.

A sugar farmers group earlier called on the government to act swiftly to prevent further damage to the sugar industry.

“We are alarmed; this should be addressed right away by the DA,” said Manuel Lamata, president of the United Sugar Producers Federation.

“They have to spray insecticides on the infected areas and stop the infestation immediately,” he said.

“This will be very bad for the industry if not addressed quickly.”

The SRA earlier described the RSSI spread in Negros as “alarming,” prompting the agency to seek emergency powers.

The SRA has also sought help from other government agencies to contain the pest in Negros Island, which produces more than 60 percent of the country’s sugar.

RSSI was first detected in late March in northern Negros Occidental and declared an infestation on May 22 when it spread to more than 87 hectares.

The insect damages sugarcane by sucking sap from leaves, causing foliage to die and promoting fungal growth through its excrement, which can kill the plant.