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