FAW outbreak: DAO, KVK Tuensang to embark on ‘mass scouting’ of pest

Tuensang, June 2 (MExN): In view of the recent outbreak and damage caused to agricultural crops by Fall Armyworm (FAW), the DAO and KVK in Tuensang have decided embark on a mandatory mass scouting, collection through hand picking and destruction of the pest by every farmers in their respective village fields from June 3-7.

Village Councils are also urged to spearhead the intervention and report the outcome to Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) and District Agriculture Office (DAO) by May 6-7 for future course of action.

The measures were some of the important outcomes of the District Level Awareness and mass campaign on FAW organized on May 31 in view of the FAW outbreak in North East states, particularly in  Manipur and Mizoram, at KVK Conference Hall, Tuensang. 

Akila Rothrong, SDAO, Department of Agriculture, Tuensang was as special guest at the event. The programme was chaired by Dr Shisarenla Aier, SMS (Horticulture), while keynote address of the campaign was delivered by Tokiho Achumi, Assistant Chief Technical Officer, Division of Agronomy, KVK Tuensang. 

SDAO Rothrong in her speech, highlighted the importance of pest identification, control measures through cultural and mechanical means, use of bio-control agents etc.

At this juncture, pest surveillance and scouting should be given utmost importance to tackle the pest in case of its outbreak, she said. 

She further encouraged the participating farmers to be very vigilant as its outbreak will directly threaten the very core of food security in the district where Maize is grown as main crop.

As part of the Campaign, poster on FAW was also unveiled by the special guest during the programme to be displayed in villages for easy identification of the pest in taking future course of action.

In technical session, thematic presentation on FAW: An invasive pest and threat to the food security, was given by Eliseni Tsopoe, SMS (Plant Protection) where, she elaborated on the history of occurrence, identification, lifecycle, scouting and management strategies for the worm which was followed by discussion on Role of Community in its prevention.

Invited VCCs and farmers from 10 villages participated in the first phase of the campaign.