SAN JOSE, Antique – Due to the wide infestation of rice grain bugs affecting vast hectares of rice fields, the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Barbaza, Antique recommended placing the town under a state of calamity.
“The rice grain bug had infested 587 hectares of palay in 14 barangays,” said MAO chief Juan Marquez.
Farmers first noticed the presence of rice grain bugs in January. Their population increased rapidly, affecting rice plants for the third cropping period.
“The third cropping of 760 farmers are affected,” said Marquez.
The Department of Agriculture sent pesticides and other biological control agents.
“With the state of calamity, farmers could hopefully be given assistance,” said Marquez. (PNA)
