Pests ravage paddy fields
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 30 2020:
As "unknown" pests ravage hectares of paddy field in Ukhrul district, headmen of three villages have urged the Agriculture Department and other authorities concerned for immediate intervention to save the crops.
In a joint statement, headmen of New Canaan, Ngarumphung and Muirei village said that more than 1000 acres of paddy cultivation are being damaged by "unknown pests' which the farmers came across for the first time".
The number of pests has been rapidly growing by the day and the extent of damages has significantly increased.
The farmers have tried various means to control and eradicate the pests but failed.
The farmers are on the verge of losing all the labour they invested this year, said the headmen adding the villagers/farmers solely depend on the income they get from cultivating rice for their livelihood and education of their children.
To save the crops and livelihood of the villagers, they appealed to the Agriculture Department and authorities concerned to immediately provide experts and necessary materials to eradicate the pests and prevent further infestation.