RSSI infests 841.7 ha in Negros Occidental, DA allocates P10B for pesticides

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) reported partial recovery in more than 17 hectares of sugarcane farms affected by red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) in Negros Occidental, but the infestation has rapidly spread to cover 841.7 hectares across 21 towns and cities in just 16 days.

Negros Island produces 65 percent of the country's sugar output, and SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona emphasized the importance of cooperation among stakeholders to find a solution as the situation worsens.

As of June 6, a total of 841.70 hectares planted by 465 farmers have been validated with infestation in Negros and Panay, with 21 affected LGUs located primarily in Negros Occidental.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced the release of P10 billion for pesticide procurement to boost pest containment efforts, while SRA Deputy Administrator Ignacio Santillana warned that an 'Indian Summer' in August could exacerbate the outbreak.

Experts like Randolf Candano from the University of the Philippines Los Baños highlighted that weather conditions such as rain and cold can effectively deter RSSI infestations, but current rainfall is insufficient to suppress the pest.