Google map of Tacurong City.
TACURONG CITY – The campaign against rat infestation here has gained ground with 5,800 rat tails presented and paid for by the city agriculture office, an official said Friday.
“As of June 2, the city agriculture office has paid PHP68,000 for the 5,800 tails collected by farmer to rid their rice fields of rodents,” Ivan Gerry Arzagon, the city agriculturist, said.
A rat tail is priced at PHP8 each.
The “cash for rats” program was launched in March this year and has become an added source of income for farmers, whose lots have been continuously pestered by rodents.
“The program also aims to prevent rice production losses and help ensure continuous income for rice farmers here,” Arzagon said.
Early this year, the city government called on farmers to help bolster the fight against the rodents that destroy crops and bring the risk of leptospirosis, a water-borne disease, with the onset of the rainy season.
Arzagon said the "cash for rats" initiative is open to all farmers except for senior citizens and minors due to existing Covid-19 health protocols.
“It was an alternative solution of this office against the prevalence of rodents in the rice fields, instead of using chemicals to eliminate pests,” he said.
Arzagon said the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation has shelled out PHP1.8 million cash assistance to farmers whose crops are vulnerable to rats and other natural calamities. (PNA)
