The Confederation of Sugar Producers Association (CONFED) has called for urgent action from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to address the alarming resurgence of red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestations affecting sugarcane farms.
Farmers Demand Coordinated Response
Numerous sugar farmers have reported that there has been a resurgence of RSSI infestation in their farms. They conduct natural and biological measures to combat its spread, but the infestation persists because the insects simply transfer to other adjacent untreated sugar farms.
Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama Jr., CONFED President
- Aerial spraying recommended as a preventive measure.
- Over 3,700 hectares affected by RSSI last year, largely in Negros Occidental.
CONFED President Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama Jr. noted that despite ongoing natural and biological control efforts, the infestation continues to spread. He emphasized that localized responses are insufficient, as insects migrate to untreated farms.
Last year, the SRA reported that approximately 3,700 hectares of sugarcane were impacted by RSSI, predominantly in Negros Occidental. This year's resurgence poses a significant threat to the sugar industry, given that the pest can reduce cane sugar content by up to 50 percent.
Valderrama urged the DA and SRA to implement large-scale measures, including aerial spraying, to effectively contain the pest and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers already facing rising operational costs and low sugar prices.