Army worm infestations of several hectares of rice and corn, including sugarcane in Negros Oriental has reached an alarming proportion, said Alejandro Rafal, agricultural program coordinating officer of the Department of Agriculture (DA). {{more}}
Initial reports reaching his office showed more 35 hectares of cornfields in Mabinay were infested by army worms, 40 hectares of rice fields, nine hectares of sugarcane and almost a hectare of farm lots planted to peanuts.
In Siaton, more than 70 hectares of corn were attacked by army worms and more than two hectares of rice.
Hardest hit by the army worm infestation are more than 135 farmers in Mabinay and more than 110 farmers in Siaton.
Rafal said technicians from the crop protection center of DA in Region 7 are presently validating the extent of the damage, to include other areas in the province.
Chemicals have been brought to address the army worms to prevent them from escalating to neighboring farmlands.
Army worms are normally hatched at the onset of the rainy season following a long and extended dry spell.
According to Rafal, his unit is also in the thick of preparation against the outbreak of rats in rice and corn fields. (PNA)
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