Thoe Ka Lay/ Kandarawaddy Time
In the western part of Pruso Township, Karenni State, local farmers have reported reduced rice yields in their shifting cultivation fields due to rat infestations. The rats have damaged rice plants and grains, leading to a significant decrease in crop production.
According to the farmers, the rats began attacking the rice fields as soon as the grains started to emerge in September. Additionally, heavy rainfall caused further damage, as many rice plants were destroyed. Last year, there were no such rat infestations, and yields were satisfactory, farmers noted.
This year, the abundant rain made it challenging to clear weeds, which in turn contributed to the increased rat damage.
A shifting cultivator shared, “The dense grasslands make it difficult to locate the rats. When rats attack, the yields drop significantly. Many locals rely heavily on this farming, but with the plants destroyed, especially due to excessive rain, we’re facing losses.”
Many farmers who depend entirely on rice cultivation for their livelihood are now worried about the long-term impact of the reduced harvest.
One local woman stated, “I only grow rice. This year, the rats caused more damage, and the grass grew excessively. Since I’m not in good health, I couldn’t manage to clear the weeds.”
Most locals in western Pruso prioritize cultivating rice for sustenance, but this year has also seen some farmers turning to commercial ginger cultivation.
Currently, a bag of regular pearl rice in western Pruso costs 95,000 MMK, and the prices of other essential food items have also risen, according to local sources.
