SRA asks P10M for sugarcane pest infestation

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is requesting P10 million from the Department of Agriculture (DA) for an emergency response to a red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation affecting sugarcane plantations in the Negros Island Region and Western Visayas.

The proposed budget will fund pesticides, operations, and technical assistance for farmers to control the spread of RSSI.

The SRA has declared the infestation alarming and seeks emergency powers to facilitate emergency purchases of pesticides, with officials uncertain whether this authority should come from the President or the Agriculture Secretary.

As of Monday, June 2, the RSSI has infested approximately 424.82 hectares of sugarcane fields across 16 towns and cities in the Negros Island Region and two provinces in Western Visayas.

Affected areas include multiple localities in Negros Occidental, Mabinay in Negros Oriental, and Anilao in Iloilo and Sigma in Capiz.

This pest infestation poses a significant threat, potentially reducing sugar yields by nearly 50% by damaging sugarcane leaves.