Farmers in Bayambang, Pangasinan are struggling to save their onion crops from a severe pest infestation and sudden rains that have damaged their fields.

In Barangay Manambong Sur, farmer Leoncita Parinas was forced to harvest early. Parinas salvaged only two hectares of her three-hectare farm due to an infestation of army worms.

“Ang panawagan namin, ibaba yung mga abono, tsaka yung mga insecticide na ginagamit. Yung abono noon P300 lang, ngayon P2,500 na. Yung mga gamot P3,000 per bottle,” Parinas said.

The premature harvest has affected crop growth, with some onions remaining underdeveloped and others dying.

Renato Ferrer, another farmer, noted additional challenges caused by sudden rains.

“Sa kabila nito, lugi na. Dun sa kabila, may uod na, tsaka may bulok pa. Kailangan na ma-harvest na ito, masisira ito pag hindi hinarvest,” he said.

EARLY INTERVENTION

Bayambang's local government unit (LGU) said it is important to address the problem immediately before it worsens.

Municipal Administrator, Atty. Rodelynn Rajini Vidad, said farmers must report the problem immediately so the LGU can intervene.

“Kahit na yung simpleng case lang, papausbong pa lang na mga infestation, dapat pinapaalam na po agad sa LGU Bayambang Municipal Agriculture Office para po maagapan,” Vidad said.

The LGU is providing organic pesticides and advising farmers on proper pesticide use to control pests effectively.