Iloilo Intensifies Fight Against Sugarcane Pest Outbreak

ILOILO CITY—The provincial government of Iloilo has intensified efforts to contain the spread of the red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI), a destructive sugarcane pest that has now affected more than 7,000 hectares (ha) of plantations across 23 towns in the province. Members of the Provincial Community Defense Cluster, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office, and the Provincial Agriculture Office convened for a joint meeting in affected areas to assess the situation and formulate containment strategies. The RSSI, scientifically known as Melanaspis glomerata, is a significant threat to sugarcane production, causing severe damage by feeding on the plant’s sap, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and ultimately, a substantial reduction in sugar yield. Iloilo province is one of the top sugarcane-producing regions in the Philippines, contributing significantly to the national sugar output and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. Provincial Agriculturist Ildefonso Toledo said the pest was first detected in the town of Tubungan and has since spread to other municipalities, including Calinog, Lambunao, Bingawan, Janiuay, Pototan, Dingle, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Viejo, Dueñas, Passi City, San Enrique, San Joaquin, Tigbauan, Tubungan, Alimodian, Leon, Miag-ao, Oton, Pavia, Santa Barbara, and Zarraga. "We are closely monitoring the situation and have mobilized our resources to address this," Toledo said during the joint meeting. "Our immediate goal is to prevent further spread and minimize the economic impact on our farmers." The provincial government, in coordination with the DA, has initiated several measures, including the distribution of information materials to farmers on pest identification and management, the conduct of regular field inspections, and the application of appropriate insecticides in infested areas. They are also exploring biological control methods, such as introducing natural predators of the RSSI. However, the vastness of the affected areas and the rapid mobility of the pest present significant challenges. Farmers in the affected towns have expressed their concerns about potential crop losses and the financial burden of implementing control measures. Some have appealed for immediate government assistance in terms of financial aid and access to effective pest control solutions. The Provincial Community Defense Cluster, composed of various government agencies and local government units, plays a crucial role in coordinating disaster and crisis response, including agricultural calamities. Their involvement underscores the seriousness of the RSSI outbreak and the need for a unified approach to combat it. The DA has also pledged support, including technical assistance and the provision of necessary inputs for pest management. The agency emphasized the importance of early detection and prompt action to effectively manage such outbreaks and protect the country's agricultural sector. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo