San Fernando, Pampanga, Jan. 31, 1998 - The Department of Agriculture has treated 5,300 hectares of rice farms in Pampanga in an effort to eliminate hordes of rats that have infested at least 9 towns.
Provincial agriculturist Abelardo Punsalan said the rats have damaged crops in Floridablanca, Santa Rita, San Simon, Lubao, Guagua, Magalang, Apalit, Candaba and San Luis.
"Due to the drought caused by the El Nino phenomenon, the rodents have invaded rice fields, eating the crops and using the farms for breeding," Punsalan explained.
Drought and the damage caused by rat infestation are expected to reduce the rice harvest to 1.9 million cavans from January to August. The usual yield is 2.4 million cavans, enough to meet the needs of the province.
So far, 115 shallow tube wells have been constructed for irrigation, with 345 more being installed to minimize the effects of the drought.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 1998
All rights reserved