More than 100 sugarcane farmers from Barangays Crossing Magallon and Magallon Cadre in EB Magalpona received free crop medicines and biological control agents from the local government as part of its continuing efforts to protect their livelihoods from the Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI).
The distribution, led by Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo and Vice Mayor Felix Mathias Segundo “Pimpoy” Yulo III was held at the Municipal Auditorium recently, a press release from the town said Monday, August 24.
Of the beneficiaries, 91 farmers received free insecticides and biostimulants for their sugarcane crops, while 21 farmers were provided with biocontrol agents designed to help manage the destructive pest through more environmentally friendly means.
The initiative underscores the local government’s commitment to helping farmers cope with the growing threat posed by RSSI, which has been attacking sugarcane plantations across Negros Occidental.
According to the latest data from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist, more than 1,000 hectares of sugarcane farms in Moises Padilla have already been affected by the pest.
The local government said it will continue working with farmers and agricultural agencies in strengthening measures to contain the infestation and protect the municipality’s sugarcane industry, the press release said.*
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