Rodents attack corn fields in North Cotabato

KABACAN, North Cotabato – Farmlands in at least 9 of the 24 villages in this town have been infested by rats, with the damage so far estimated at P13 million worth of crops there, the town’s disaster management officer said on Monday.

“Hundreds of corn crops in these areas were devastated... which started during the last days of December last year," David Don Saure, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer said.
 
At least 475.75 hectares of corn fields were severely damaged, affecting more than 400 farmers, Saure said noted.

The massive infestations were reported in the villages of Bangilan, Cuyapon, Dagupan, Lower Paatan, Katidtuan, Malamote, Simone and Pedtad.

Apart from corn fields, Saure said the rodents have started to attack some rice fields.

The initial estimates place the damage P13, 509, 426.90.

The Municipal Agriculture Office is still validating the extent of damage as of this posting.
 
Kabacan is one of Central Mindanao’s major rice- and corn-producing areas.

Unfavorable weather conditions in nearly all the towns in North Cotabato could have also triggered the infestation, according to the disaster management officer. He did not elaborate.

The town’s agricultural technologist recommended a massive information campaign on how to control and prevent rat infestations. – Williamor Magbanua/VS, GMA News