BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya ,Philippines – Farmlands in at least nine towns in Isabela have been overrun by rats.
Reports showed that at least 3,000 hectares of rice and corn lands were infested. The municipalities of Mallig and Ramon and Cauayan City were the worst hit areas.
Danilo Tumamao, provincial agriculture officer, however, assured the public that although the number of affected towns have increased, the degree of infestation and the damage incurred were manageable.
“Compared to the earlier damage, the rice fields were only slightly damaged, with only two out of 100 plants affected. Aside from this, the palay plants have not yet reached the reproductive stage where crop losses could be severe,” he said.
Tumamao said they are helping farmers rid their farmlands of rats and prevent the infestation from spreading to nearby towns.