CAgrO reminds farmers not to ignore rodent infestations

The City Agriculturist Office (CAgrO) advised farmers on Monday to keep an eye on rodent infestations as this has severe impacts on rice fields and food security if ignored.

Pablita “Bing” Almador, agriculturist III for Vegetable Production Focal of CAgrO, warned that rat infestations pose a risk to food production and food security of Davao City.

“Ilaga ang number one kaaway sa mga mag-uuma tungod wala ni siya gipili nga stage sa tanum ug tanan maagian niya puwede niyang hilabtan. Diha sa uma katong bag-ong gitanum hangtod na namunga na siya puwede niyang atakihon,” Almador said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Wednesday.

Based on the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) rats are found in lowland irrigated rice crops. Both the wet and dry seasons are favorable for rat reproduction and crop damage. In rainfed rice crops, rodents have their greatest impact in the wet season. The availability of food, water, and shelter are the factors, which provide optimum breeding conditions.

Almador conveyed the need