Many spring rice areas in Nghe An are damaged by pests and diseases.

As of February 6, Nghe An has planted 84,050 hectares of rice, of which 52,735 hectares were transplanted and more than 31,300 hectares were directly sown. In general, the rice plants grew and developed well. However, the leaf blast disease appeared early, and so far nearly 15 hectares of rice have been infected, concentrated in Hung Nguyen, Vinh City, Tan Ky,... on the varieties XT28, TBR225, P6, IR1820, locally some areas have up to 30 - 40% of leaves damaged.

Golden apple snails and leaf scorch disease are causing damage to spring rice.

In addition, golden apple snails damaged 391 hectares in Con Cuong, Quynh Luu, Dien Chau... of which nearly 60 hectares were severely infected; 295 hectares were infected with root nematodes, 50 hectares were severely infected, mainly on direct-sown rice in Hung Nguyen. Notably, 125 hectares were damaged by rats, of which 6 hectares were severely infected.

Farmers in Nghi Hoa commune spray herbicide on newly sown rice. Photo: Phu Huong

Mr. Nguyen Van Vuong, from Hamlet 10, Nghi Hoa Commune, Nghi Loc District, has just planted 4 hectares of rice 3 days ago but it is raining so he is installing a pump to drain the water and injecting herbicide into the rice.

The most worrying thing is the rats. There have been a lot of rats in the past few years, and we can't kill them all. After pumping out the water, I will buy plastic to cover the banks to prevent rats from eating the rice. The whole neighborhood is doing this, but I don't know if it will work.

Mr. Nguyen Van Vuong, Hamlet 10, Nghi Hoa Commune, Nghi Loc District

In Hung Nguyen, about 150 hectares of rice sown directly before Tet in Hung Yen Nam, Hung Yen Bac, and Hung Tay communes have been damaged by root nematodes. At the same time, the unusual weather is very favorable for the outbreak of rice blast disease in the middle of the crop, so in addition to spraying to control root nematodes, the district is directing monitoring and early detection to promptly prevent pests in the fields.

Farmers in Hung Tay commune, Hung Nguyen district, thin out rice for direct sowing.

According to Mr. Nguyen Tien Duc, Head of the Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, the most worrying diseases in the coming time are leaf blast, mice and golden apple snails. The weather is gradually warming, alternating with cold air waves with high humidity and rain, combined with farmers fertilizing to promote tillering, which is a very favorable condition for leaf blast to arise, spreading and causing serious damage over a large area. Mice and golden apple snails will continue to arise and cause increased damage.

Localities need to guide and direct farmers to care for and protect newly planted rice seedlings and rice. Investigate and promptly detect pests for timely prevention and control in accordance with recommendations from the plant protection industry. At the same time, regularly monitor weather developments and have timely response plans when severe cold and frost persist.