INFOKU, BLORA –It is truly tragic that the rat infestation in Todanan District is becoming increasingly worrying.
Not only rice, this pest also attacks corn, sugar cane, cucumbers, tomatoes and chilies.
As a result, some farmers chose not to plant their rice fields because they were worried about making losses again.
At least 22 of the 25 villages in Todanan have been affected by rodent infestations. Three previously relatively safe villages—Dringo, Gunungan, and Kajengan—have also begun to experience infestations.
Karanganyar Village farmer Saifuddin said the attack began in late 2024.
However, the population is getting worse, causing crop failure.
"Now there are no crops. Last year, some planted crops, but they were all gone. Sugar cane can't be harvested, and neither can rice," he told the press.
According to him, rats attack plants from the time they are still seeds. In rice, they gnaw on the stems until they collapse.
Meanwhile, corn is eaten from a young age, leaving only the cob when it bears fruit. Sugarcane is also eaten from the bottom until it collapses.
Also read: Demand for Clean Water Assistance Increases, 188 Villages in Blora Hit by Drought
"We've tried various measures, including rat poison, traps, plastic fences, night vigils, and even building owl houses. However, the results haven't been optimal," he said.
He also said, because of this problem, some farmers started looking for other jobs.
Some work as sand collectors and manual laborers. Some residents, including young vocational school graduates, even choose to migrate to Sumatra and Kalimantan to work in the mining sector.
"We've had plants for two years, but no harvest. It doesn't cover the initial investment, and it's been plagued by rats, not to mention the cost of fertilizer," said Arif.
In a separate location, Head of DP4 Blora Ngaliman confirmed the increase in the rat population in Todanan.
According to him, the rainy season conditions that support planting activities make food sources for rats available throughout the year.
"Last rainy season was good for planting. So the rats continued to breed because there was food available," he explained.
He admitted that his party had carried out joint control with farmer groups and prepared pesticides.
“In addition, owl houses were developed as a long-term control measure,” he said.
Also read: Blora Police Chief "Explores Milang Kori Village" Looking for Water Sources
Todanan Agricultural Extension Coordinator Heri suspects that rats migrated from forest areas to rice fields due to reduced food sources.
During the dry season, rats tend to gather around water sources.
"The corn has disappeared from the forests, and it appears they've migrated to the rice fields. That's what's causing the massive attack," he concluded. (Endah/ IST )
Click >>>> Original Website
