obmar
|
Chanchu/Caloy solves Iloilo’s rice black bug problemCaloy solves Iloilo’s rice black bug problem
By ELY SUYOM, The Manila Times Correspondent
ILOILO CITY - In most of the other provinces in the country, Typhoon Caloy brought nothing by destruction. Well, not here in Iloilo.
Caloy is, in fact, being credited here with partially solving the problem of rice black bug (RBB) infestation.
Gov. Niel Tupas Sr. of Iloilo recently expressed alarm at the RBB problem that is responsible for millions of pesos in lost rice production. He has acknowledged Typhoon Caloy’s help in controlling at least some portion of RBB infestation in several municipalities in the province.
Zafiro Palabrica, Iloilo provincial agriculturist, said that flooding ricefields is one of the more simple yet effective and right ways to decrease the pest population.
After the flood brought on by the typhoon subsided, many adult RBBs and the eggs of female RBBs were seen to have been drowned or damaged.
Tupas said that even though the entire province is in a state of calamity for the millions of pesos in damage typhoon Caloy did, Ilonggos are somehow thankful that it did provide part of the solution to the province’s RBB menace.
Tupas affirmed that many municipalities have been affected by the RBB problem. The result is a huge decrease in the yield of rice, corn and other agricultural products.
The Department of Agriculture regional office here has created the RBB Task Force to conduct a massive information campaign regarding the pest. Meetings and media propaganda are informing people of how to fight RBB.
|
|
|
|