DIMAPUR, MAY 27 (MExN): Nagaland State Agriculture Minister, G Kaito Aye today expressed concern at the threat of an outbreak of Fall Army Worm (FAW) in the state.
“On our part, we can but make concerted efforts - employing technology and timely, effective and innovative measures to ensure minimum damage. But, above all, there is a need for being aware and alert, both on the part of government agencies and the agricultural community of our state,” a press release from the Minister’s office stated.
The Minister reminded that a Fall Army Worm outbreak can cause drastic damage to crops and can reduce yields, which can be highly devastating particularly for smallholder farmers as it directly impacts their livelihood. Mizoram and Manipur have largely been affected by the invasion of the deadly pest.
“I am distressed over the menace being faced by our hard-working farmers, but I would like to assure the agricultural community that the government will leave no stone unturned in combating and containing the outbreak of Fall Army Worm in the state,” he assured.
Aye said that the Department of Agriculture and various agricultural agencies and units of the Nagaland State Government are already on high alert and working relentlessly to creating awareness and training farmers to mitigate the loss to crops.
“I have personally conducted meetings with the officials of the Department of Agriculture and asked the Department to keep me updated on the course of action being undertaken. We are also keeping track of technological innovations and digital tools that are being developed to ensure timely and context-specific information to enable farmers to track, spot and treat the FAW pest,” he added.
The Department of Agriculture and other government agencies have been conducting regular training camps for creating awareness among farmers and also conducting field inspections to identify areas of infestation.
The Minister urged Naga farmers to cooperate with the officials of the Department of Agriculture and all other agricultural agencies and units in making a concerted effort to contain a massive outbreak.
“I would also like to call upon farmers to take advantage of technical camps being organised for their benefit and employ scientific methods to battle the invasion of the fall armyworm pest. Moreover, it is vital that our farmers regularly scout the fields and plantations and immediately report any signs of pest infestation and crop damage to the nearest officials,” he stressed.
The Minister assured the agricultural community that the Government of Nagaland is “committed to the welfare of farmers, and will provide all assistance to ensure their welfare in this challenging moment.”
