Pest warnings raised for rice farmers in 4 regions

The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has issued pest warnings for rice farmers in four regions in the first quarter of 2021. These regions are Regions 3, 5, 6, and 7. According to PhilRice, the Bureau of Plant Industry identified these areas as being at risk of pest infestations due to various factors such as climate change, increased use of fertilizers, and changes in farming practices.

To mitigate the risks associated with pest infestations, PhilRice recommends that rice farmers practice field sanitation and fallow periods. Field sanitation involves removing debris, weeds, and other materials from the field to reduce the number of pests that can take up residence. Fallow periods involve leaving a portion of the field fallow for a period of time to allow the soil to recover and reduce the buildup of pests and diseases.

In addition to these practices, PhilRice also recommends synchronizing planting schedules. This involves planting rice in a specific order across different regions to minimize the spread of pests and diseases. By doing this, farmers can help to protect their crops from infestations and ensure that they are able to produce high-quality rice.

Overall, PhilRice's recommendations for rice farmers in these four regions are aimed at helping them to mitigate the risks associated with pest infestations and ensure that they are able to produce healthy and productive rice crops.