Armyworm damage in Western Visayas hits P57 million

MANILA, Philippines — The amount of damage caused by armyworms in Western Visayas has reached P57 million, according to the Department of Agriculture.

The DA operations center said the worms devoured 3,237 hectares of crops, particularly corn.

“Best possible efforts are being undertaken to carry out assistance and appropriate interventions for affected farmers,” the DA said.

The agency said joint monitoring and evaluation activities are being undertaken between DA regional offices and local government units to address the pestilence not only in Western Visayas, but also in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen and Caraga.

Validation and assessment of crop-infested areas are ongoing to identify potential threats and develop incidence maps.

Control agents and registered insecticides are being applied to stop the spread of the pest.

“The Bureau of Plant Industry, an attached agency of the DA, has advised regional field offices through their respective regional crop protection centers and regulatory divisions to closely monitor any potential infestation of armyworms and other pests in their localities,” the DA said.

“Should there be any sign of armyworm infestations, farmers are encouraged to visit and report the matter to their respective municipal or city agriculture offices,” it added.