East Aceh Regency distributes pesticides to combat rice pest attacks
The East Aceh Regency Government, through the Department of Food Crops and Horticulture, is distributing pesticide assistance to combat increasingly massive rat attacks on farmers’ rice crops in the region.
Faisal Fahmi, Head of the Plant Protection Division of the East Aceh Regency Department of Food Crops and Horticulture, stated on Tuesday that in addition to distributing pesticides, the department is also seeking further assistance from the Aceh Provincial Government and the Ministry of Agriculture to face these pest attacks.
“The limited supply of pesticides is a constraint in handling the rat attacks, while the extent of the attacks in several areas, particularly the Madat District, is quite large,” he said.
Previously, 129.5 hectares of rice fields in East Aceh Regency were reported to be under attack by rats. Of the total area affected, 31 hectares have suffered total crop failure (puso).
“The rat attacks in Madat District actually began appearing in May 2024. In fact, of the total 129.5 hectares of attacks recorded across several districts, 72.5 hectares are located in the Madat District,” said Faisal Fahmi.
Rat attacks in the Madat District are occurring across nine villages, with a total planting area of 662 hectares. Of that amount, 72.5 hectares are affected and 28 hectares have experienced crop failure.
The cause of the widespread rat attacks is attributed to the impact of flooding and non-synchronised rice planting patterns. These conditions make it easier for rats to migrate and attack rice plants across various paddy fields.
Faisal Fahmi mentioned that the pesticides are being distributed to several farmer groups. In the Pante Bidari District, Kresnakom-type pesticide assistance was distributed to five farmer groups in Keupula Dua Village.
“Each group received eight kilograms of pesticide, bringing the total distributed assistance to 40 kilograms. Farmer groups in need of pest control assistance can coordinate with the department through their group leaders,” he said.
Assistance is also being provided to handle attacks in the Madat District, specifically in the Ulee Ateung and Rambong Lop areas, with a total of 20 kilograms of pesticide distributed.
Faisal Fahmi noted that while the rat attacks in Madat are quite massive, pesticide supplies are limited. The Department is also coordinating with an agricultural laboratory in Peureulak to assist with field-level management.
“Controlling rat pests cannot rely solely on government assistance. Farmers are also requested to take preventive and control measures from the beginning, even before the rice is planted,” he said.
A crucial way to prevent rats from spreading to other fields is through simultaneous control within a single paddy field area. Additionally, environmental sanitation, including the cleaning of land, embankments, and potential nesting sites, must be carried out.