Cambodians study pest control in E. Java

Cambodians study pest control in E. Java

SURABAYA, East Java: A group of Cambodian officials visited
the East Java regencies of Ngawi and Jombang between Nov. 6 and
Nov. 9. to study a program for the eradication of rice pests.

"We are here to share experiences and ideas on how to control
rice pests," Chou Chey Thyrith, leader of the Cambodian group,
said after a meeting with East Java deputy governor Imam Supardi
here on Friday.

During the meeting, the Cambodian officers expressed their
surprise at the pest control program being implemented in the two
regencies and said they would take it to be implemented in their
home country.

"We will promote the pest program in the province to our
farmers at home," Chou said.

Imam said that, because of the pest program, East Java was
able to contribute two million tons to national rice production
annually.

Gunarto, spokesman for the provincial administration, said the
Cambodians conducted the study here after East Java and Central
Java were recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) as the first pilot programs to gain financial assistance.

He added that, besides the two regencies, Kediri, Pasuruan,
Tulungagung, Lumajang, Jember, Malang, Ponorogo and Bojonegoro
had also gained FAO assistance to finance the pest program.
--Antara