Fall Armyworm Threatens Himachal Pradesh’s Maize Crops Amid Monsoon Deficit

The Fall Armyworm has been detected in maize crops in Himachal Pradesh's Una district. The Agriculture Department warns of severe crop damage due to pest infestation amid a monsoon rain deficit. Farmers are urged to use Coragen insecticide promptly. The pest threatens over 80 crop species if not controlled.

An alarming infestation of Fall Armyworm has targeted maize crops in Himachal Pradesh’s Una district, posing a serious threat, according to the state agriculture department. The pest has the capability to devastate crops overnight.

This outbreak comes during a period of significant monsoon rain deficit, especially in the lower belt regions such as Una, Hamirpur, and Bilaspur, reports Kulbhushan Dhiman, Deputy Director of Agriculture. Himachal Pradesh has experienced a 38 per cent deficit in rainfall this monsoon season.

Dhiman advised farmers to spray Coragen insecticide, which is readily available from the agriculture department’s blocks, to manage the pest and safeguard the crop yield. The insect, harmful to over 80 crop species, can cause significant destruction if not addressed promptly. Immediate action includes an initial spray ten days post-sowing and a follow-up spray 18-22 days later, directed toward the maize leaf whorl.