Newmai News Network Imphal | October 12 A rodent menace has become a big issue in Tengnoupal district, formerly a Chandel district, as the creatures attack standing crops and granaries, according to villagers from the district. Speaking to Newmai News Network over the phone, Leibi village chairman, Th Angkha said that “uncontrollable” rodents have destroyed paddy and maize in the district. He also said that rats in large number have started entering villages looking for food. Th Angkha said that bamboo flowering could have been the reasons for the rodent menace. It is believed that rats feed on bamboo seeds and reproduce at high rate to increase their population sizes. According to Th Angkha, the villages affected by rodent menace are Leibi, Kampang Khunou, Kampang Khullen, Langkhongching, Khudengthabi in Moreh block and other villages such Laipham, Chelep in Tengnoupal block. About 115 households with 700 people settled in Leibi village. The village is located about 23 km away from Moreh block and 26 km away from Tengnoupal district headquarters. Most of the families are cultivators and depend of the agricultural products, Angkha said. The food grain yield will be very low as the standing crops have been destroyed the rats. He appealed the government to take up immediate measures in this regard.