DA starts program with farmers to monitor pests

By Joseph Zambrano

BAGUIO CITY --The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera through its program Integrated Pest Management (IPM)  has embarked on  “Bantay Peste”  wherein  farmers are asked to prevent pest damage and reduce its impact  on their produce.

Marilyn Sta. Catalina, DA regional executive director, said the program  is   pest  and disease surveillance, and that there should be regular monitoring on population dynamics of pests so farmers will be advised  on proper action to be undertaken.

A group of about 20 farmers under the Bantay Peste Volunteer Brigade shall monitor and record observations in a data checklist from which will be evaluated by agricultural technicians, said Sta. Catalina.

The data gathered, she  said, will be processed and  assessed in order  make  necessary measures to address  the problem.

“That is why our partner, the local government units play an important role in preparing  regular and timely reports which indicate the presence or absence of pest. The LGU will prepare regular monthly reports on evolving pest and disease situation.”

To systematize reporting, the DA will  standardize presentation of pest and surveillance monthly reports. Color coding schemes will be used to indicate status of pest and disease in the field.

Yellow color indicates that the pest or disease monitored should be closely observed, and that there is a warning.  Green is for pest or disease which is negligible or does not have major effect in the crop. Red color indicates outbreak of pest or disease.