RSSI outbreak hits 186 hectares of Negros Occidental sugarcane

An outbreak of red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) has affected 186 hectares of sugarcane fields in 11 towns and cities across Negros Occidental, impacting the livelihoods of 115 sugar farmers.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) reported that the infestation is 'extremely mild' on 96.21 hectares while it is 'severe' on 12 hectares, posing a significant threat to the province's sugar industry which accounts for about 60% of the country's total sugar supply.

The SRA is partnering with DA-NIR to provide pesticide assistance, quarantine protocols, and disinfection measures for planting materials and canes being transported, while also coordinating with the National Crop Protection Center (NCPC) and Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) for potential emergency use permits on insecticides against RSSI.

Azcona said that despite the infestation, the sugar production target for crop year 2024-2025 is expected to hit 1.9 million metric tons (MMT), up from 1.82 MMT as of May 4.

The SRA and customs authorities also inspected smuggled sugar from Thailand brought in by a multi-purpose cooperative, seizing four container vans with 2,000 50-kilo bags of refined sugar, with an estimated retail value of P9 million.