Lingayen – The rats are coming!  

 

Rice crops in Manaoag season have been pilfered by rats who surfaced recently, worrying farmers and their families. 

 

However, the Office of the Provincial Agriculture assured farmers not to worry because rat infestation as expected this season would be negligible. 

 

Provincial Agriculturist Jose Almendares said his office is now addressing the problem and reported that only five hectares of second crop rice were affected. 

An initial investigation showed that rat infestation was felt in the rice farms of Oraan West, Oraan East, Parian, Lelemaen, Matulong, Baquigan and Mermer, all of Manaoag. 

 

“Rats would not have attacked had there been plenty of water in the farm, Almendares said, adding that farmers would have been better off however if they had planted corn, which is one of the high-value crops. 

 

Rats ate stems or stalks of the rice plants eventually killing them. 

 

He also blamed the farmers for their latest misery because they insisted on planting rice when in fact they already knew that water would be scant. 

 

Water is being conveyed to Manaoag by an irrigation canals in Laoac and Binalonan towns that are now heavily silted. 

 

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments