P13M worth of crops lost due to rat infestation in 8 North Cotabato villages

KABACAN, North Cotabato, Philippines – Close to P13 million worth of crops were destroyed by rat infestation that hit at least eight of the 24 barangay (villages) here.

“Hundreds of hectares of corn crops in these areas have been devastated by rats since December,” David Don Saure, the municipal disaster risk reduction and management officer (MDRRMO), said.

Saure said at least 475 hectares of corn fields were attacked by rats, affecting more than 400 farmers.

The rat infestation was reported in the villages of Bangilan, Cuyapon, Dagupan, Lower Paatan, Katidtuan, Malamote, Simone and Pedtad.

Saure said aside from corn fields, several rice fields were also attacked by rats.

Kabacan is one of Central Mindanao’s major rice and corn-producing areas.

Saure said the drought experienced in North Cotabato could have also triggered the infestation.

Mayor Herlo Guzman vowed to assist the affected farmers through seedling distribution.  SFM