Rice paid for pests

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Residents in West Sumba regency have caught thousands of pests and been paid 8.1 metric tons of rice for their efforts, regent Rudolf Malo said on Tuesday.

At least 2,000 hectares of rice fields have been attacked by pests which laid waste to paddy and corn crops on the island.

Rudolf said pesticides were difficult to obtain and the local government resorted to offering incentives of one kilogram of rice or Rp 5,000 in cash to people participating in the pest hunt. (yac)