The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is exerting all efforts to prevent the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation from reaching Mindanao, which has recorded the highest growth in sugar production for the current crop year.

In a statement on Wednesday, Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona reiterated that Mindanao is the country’s next frontier in terms of sugarcane production and that the SRA is eyeing the expansion of its services in the region.

“If you look at our production numbers this year, the highest growth for sugar production is in Mindanao,” he added.

During a press briefing in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, Azcona said Mindanao recorded an increase of 150,000 metric tons (MT) in sugar production, of which 97,000 MT are from Bukidnon alone.

“Negros Occidental increased by only 2,000 MT. Our biggest growth is in Bukidnon. We’ve been trying our best to protect Bukidnon from RSSI. We educate them (about the infestation),” he said.

If not addressed, RSSI could reduce the sugar content of infested canes by almost 50 percent.

Azcona said that a truck transporting cane points from Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental to Bukidnon was not allowed to proceed until it was verified that the canes came from a farm not infected by RSSI.

“The farmer-buyer volunteered to stop the truck before it reached Bukidnon. They unloaded the cane points and dipped these in insecticide before resuming transport,” he said.

Latest data showed the infestation has affected 2,027 hectares of sugarcane farms, the majority of which recorded slight to moderate infection.

The presence of RSSI has been monitored in 18 local government units in Negros Occidental, while only one has been affected in Negros Oriental. There are two localities affected in Iloilo and four in Capiz.

“The good side is we have a recovery in more than 200 hectares. We cannot eliminate it right away, but through education and awareness among the farmers, we can learn to control it and prevent it,” Azcona said.

With higher awareness among the sugarcane farmers, he said, the spread of the infestation has slowed down.

“We’re hoping it will not spread any further. In Negros Oriental, it’s only in Mabinay. In Negros Occidental, it has not gone down to Kabankalan. It’s not yet here. The biggest area affected before was Bago City and La Carlota City. Gradually, the situation is improving,” the SRA chief said. (PNA)