Sugar mills in Negros Occidental have begun accepting canes as the crop year 2025-2026 officially begins Monday amid the continuing challenge posed by the infestation of red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) in sugarcane plantations in the province.

Oct. 1 is the official start of the milling season, but the SRA moved it to the nearest Monday, which is Sept. 29.

In a statement, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the schedule accomplishes the three-year transition period to return the commencement of the milling season to the last quarter of the year.

“Three years ago, it was Sept. 1. Then last year, it was Sept. 15. Moving forward, it will now officially be Oct. 1,” he said.

The URC La Carlota started cane acceptance at the mill site in La Carlota City on Sept. 27, and at transloading stations on Sept. 29.

The Binalbagan-Isabela Sugar Co. (Biscom) Inc. in Binalbagan town also began accepting canes on Sept. 27 and will start milling on Sept. 30.

In Talisay City, First Farmers Holding Corp. started accepting canes at transloading stations on Sept. 27 and at the mill site on Sept. 28.

Victorias Milling Company Inc. in Victorias City commenced cane acceptance on Set. 27 as well.

The Hawaiian-Philippine Company in Silay City said it started receiving canes both at the mill site and transloading stations on Sept. 29.

In their respective announcements, the sugar mills said “milling operation will commence as soon as there is sufficient cane supply.”

Azcona continued to call on sugar farmers to remain vigilant and work with the SRA in preventing the spread of RSSI infestation, particularly in Negros and Panay.

RSSI could reduce the sugar content of infested canes by almost 50 percent, based on the study by the SRA. (PNA)