CAPIZ — The Capiz provincial government is coordinating with the Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas (DA-6) to provide assistance to sugarcane farmers affected by the Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) infestation.
Gov. Fredenil Castro met with DA-6 Regional Technical Director Maria Teresa Solis on August 20 to discuss possible interventions for farmers whose crops have been affected by the pest outbreak.
Solis said DA-6 is prepared to provide appropriate agricultural inputs to help affected farmers manage the infestation.
The assistance may include chemicals, pesticides and biological control agents that can be applied at various stages of sugarcane production to help control RSSI and reduce its impact on crops.
The DA-6 official also raised the possibility of coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide financial assistance to affected farmers and their families.
Castro said the provincial government has already initiated coordination with the DSWD as part of its efforts to assist farmers affected by the infestation.
He stressed the importance of close coordination among government agencies to ensure that interventions are comprehensive and reach the farmers and families most in need.
The provincial government and DA-6 are expected to continue working together to implement timely measures to control the RSSI infestation and minimize its impact on sugarcane production.
The collaboration is also aimed at protecting the livelihood of Capiz farmers and preserving the province’s agricultural resources.
Castro assured the farming community that the provincial government remains committed to providing support and pursuing measures to address the RSSI outbreak and help sustain agricultural production in Capiz./PN
