Mice attack W. Sumatra harvest

Mice attack W. Sumatra harvest

PADANG, West Sumatra: Mice have been attacking the rice fields
in the province, causing farmers to suffer at least Rp 846
billion (US$81 million) in losses since last year, reports said.

According to the Protection Board for Horticulture and Food
Supply (BPTPH), the mouse attacks were at an alarming level, as
the pests have 'raided' some 50 regencies.

Syamsir, a farmer, told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that
farmers had tried many things to stop the attacks.

"We have hunted down the mice and blocked their holes. This
hasn't worked so far.

"I usually earn Rp 1.5 million from selling unhusked rice at
one harvest. Lately I have earned nothing since the mouse
attacks," Syamsir said. (28/dja)