Bhanjakia: At a time when paddy plants have started growing in many parts of Raruan block in Mayurbhanj district, ‘leda’ insects have reportedly attacked saplings.
This problem is reported from Bhanjakia, Itaghar, Tingiria, Tilokuti, Bhangabandha, Dharuabeda and Papada areas and the farmers here are in a fix how to save the crops at the initial stage.
Another problem is caterpillars. While spells of rainfall in the last few days had boosted the prospects of hastening agricultural operations in the district, the farmers are a worried lot as swarms of caterpillars are damaging their crops. Some farmers stated that these pests are gobbling up the paddy plants, leaving them with little chance of survival. Moreover, these pests are spreading from one farmland to the other. In the absence of an effective pesticide in the market to check the spread of caterpillars, farmers are helpless.
They added that thousands of hectares of paddy crop will fall victim to the pests if immediate steps are not taken. The pest attack from the very beginning of the agriculture season has led to severe resentment among the regional farmers.
They demanded the agriculture department officials pay field visits and suggest the right pesticide or insecticide to check the spread of pests. The farmers warned of an agitation if nothing is done to check the growing pest menace.
PNN