BACOLOD City — The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has intensified its campaign against the rapidly spreading Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI) through drone technology, as the pest infestation has now affected more than 2,200 hectares of sugarcane farms across the Visayas.
As part of its enhanced pest control program, the SRA conducted a drone-assisted insecticide application on June 11 at Hacienda Agho in Barangay Camandag, La Castellana, Negros Occidental.
The operation covered 3.43 hectares of sugarcane fields affected by RSSI, a pest that continues to threaten sugar production in major producing areas.
According to the SRA, the use of drones allows for faster, more efficient, and more precise application of insecticides, helping reduce pest populations while minimizing damage to standing crops.
“The utilization of drone technology forms part of the agency’s strengthened response to contain the spread of RSSI in sugar-producing regions,” the SRA said.
The insecticides used during the operation contained the active ingredients etofenprox and dinotefuran, which provide both contact and systemic control against insect pests.
In a statement, the SRA said the treatment aims to suppress RSSI populations and protect sugarcane productivity in affected farms.
The drone operation comes as the infestation continues to spread across four Visayas provinces.
Based on the latest SRA monitoring report as of June 5, RSSI has already affected 2,249.45 hectares of sugarcane plantations in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Iloilo, and Capiz, impacting 1,108 farmers across 195 barangays.
Negros Occidental remains the most severely affected province, accounting for 2,049 hectares or 91 percent of the total affected area. Bago City recorded the highest infestation, with 406.02 hectares of sugarcane fields affected.
Alarmingly, the affected area increased by 460.55 hectares in just one week, from May 29 to June 5, indicating the continued spread of the pest to new farming communities.
The SRA said the rising number of affected farmers and barangays underscores the urgency of implementing aggressive containment measures to prevent further damage to the sugar industry.
It also noted that favorable weather conditions and the cooperation of farmers contributed to the successful implementation of the drone spraying operation.
The agency said continuous monitoring and follow-up interventions are being planned to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and further strengthen its RSSI management program./PN
