MANILA, Philippines – Sinabi ng Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) nitong Miyerkules, Mayo 21, namonitor nila ang pamemeste ng red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI)—na may kakayanang makabawas ng sugar content ng 50%- sa mga tubuhan sa anim na lugar sa northern Negros Occidental.
Sa pahayag, sinabi ng SRA na lumikha na ito ng task force na pinamumunuan ni SRA Board Member David Andrew Sanson, para kontrolin ang pamemeste at humiling ng quarantine measures mula sa Department of Agriculture (DA).
Inabisuhan ni SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona ang mga sugar farmer na maging alerto kung saan nila binibili ang kanilang cane points, dahil pinaghihinalaang ang pamemeste ay nadala mula Luzon patungong Negros.
“We cannot afford to have an infestation, as some farmers are already starting to plant their canes for the next crop year. We made a good showing this year despite the challenges brought about by the long drought, and I hope we can maintain the momentum and even exceed our targets for next year if we will all help one another in containing this infestation,” ani Azcona.
Ayon pa sa SRA chief, pinapataas ng RSSI ang production cost at pinapababa ang produksyon. RNT/JGC
