Solan: For the fourth consecutive year, the fall armyworm has hit the maize crops in the Solan district (Himachal Pradesh), affecting an area of 4,750 hectares. Maize farmers are anticipating a 15 to 20 per cent loss in their crops due to the infestation, reports The Tribune.
Originally hailing from South America, the fall armyworm made its way to Karnataka through African countries a few years ago. From there, it spread to the northeastern states and has now reached the northern regions of India.
Agriculture experts attribute the pest’s spread to climate change and the indiscriminate use of fertilizers. “Excessive use of nitrogen weakens the plants’ immunity, making them more susceptible to diseases and pests, leading to various types of crop damage,” said Seema Kansal, Deputy Director of Agriculture in Solan.
Experts from the Agriculture Department have noted that the low-lying areas of the Solan district have been more severely affected than other regions. “Currently, 10 to 15 per cent of the maize plants on 4,750 hectares are infested in local patches within the fields,” Kansal added.
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