SRA, DA intensify efforts vs sugarcane pest in Negros

A task force formed by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is intensifying its intervention with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to contain the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation affecting sugarcane farms in Negros Occidental.

The RSSI, which can reduce sugar content by up to 50 percent, has spread outside the northern part of the province where it was initially detected.

The SRA suspects the pest may have been introduced to Negros from Luzon after a sugar planter bought cane points from the region.

To cushion the potential impact on sugarcane production and prevent further spread, interventions include pesticide assistance to farmers and stringent quarantine and transport protocols.

The SRA is also coordinating with the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) and Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority for a possible emergency use permit for insecticides.

The infestation poses a risk to the income of thousands of farmers and exposes the province's vulnerability to agricultural shocks.