HP: Fall armyworm attacks maize crop in Sujanpur area of Hamirpur

Hamirpur (HP), Jul 8 (PTI) A moth infestation is ravaging the maize crop in many parts of Sujanpur Tira tehsil of Hamirpur district. The crop has been under attack by Fall armyworm, a highly destructive moth species whose larval (caterpillar) stage feeds on over 80 plant species and primarily targets cereal crops like maize. The infestation has completely ravaged the standing crop in Karot Gram Panchayat of Sujanpur Block. Former deputy pradhan of Karot Panchayat, Jai Gopal Rana, said on Tuesday that the pest attacks the point where the maize plant sprouts, thereby damages the stem. The worm has never been seen in the area before, he said. Farmers have urged the department to send experts to inspect their fields and control the damage. Dr Arvind Chahal, an agriculture specialist, advised farmers to spray such pesticides as Emamectin Benzoate and Coragen on their crops in the morning and evening to combat the infestation. The pesticides are available at Agriculture Department sales centres, he said. PTI COR BPL VN VN