Arunachal: Severe pest infestation on rice cultivation concern farmers of famine

The farmers have appealed to the agricultural department to assist to cope up with their damages.
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PASIGHAT:

Severe pest infestation was reported at Dambuk area of Lower Dibang Valley district, which has caused damages to Jhum paddy crop.

The farmers have appealed to the agricultural department to assist to cope up with their damages which if not controlled may cause a famine-like situation in Lower Dibang valley.

In a letter to the Agricultural Development Officer, Katem Pertin drew the attention of the department concerned citing 60 per cent of jhum rice cultivation damage and has sought the help of the agriculture office to reduce further damage which if not checked may cause famine in the area.

“Last year our wetland rice cultivation was damaged by an unknown insect. Now the same is devastating our Jhum rice cultivation (locally called Amo Aam). Now we are already in a famine-like condition and to save at least 40 per cent of the dry paddy crop we need the help of the agricultural department,” said Katem Pertin.

Meanwhile, when contacted, the concerned ADO Dambuk, Anni Lego has confirmed the pest infestation under her circle after receipt of complaint from farmers.

“After receiving complaints about pest infestation, I visited the fields and found the pest to be White Backed Plant Hopper, the same pest which had infested the wetland rice last year. The farmers were advised to spray either Imidacloprid or Monocrotophos or Dichlorvos with 1-2ml/litre water to control the pest,” said Anni Lego.

(Edited by Christopher Gatphoh)

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