Imphal: Fall armyworm and brown planthopper infestations have affected paddy fields nearing harvest across Manipur’s valley districts, threatening farmers’ crops and investments.
The outbreak has been reported in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts. A field assessment found damaged paddy fields, with severed spikelets scattered on the ground and armyworms feeding on plant leaves.
Farmers fear losing their season’s hard work and investment just days before harvest.
Affected farmers have urged the Agriculture Department and other state authorities to intervene immediately.
They have also sought advice on safe pest control methods, expressing concern about the health risks of using chemical pesticides when the grain is close to ripening.
Laishram Sadananda, a farmer from Top Khongnangmakhong, said fall armyworms had attacked his five Sangams of paddy land in Wakha, Imphal East, at night, damaging both leaves and spikelets. He said neighbouring fields had suffered similar damage. Some farmers had independently used commercial pesticides, including “Rocket” and “Commando”, in an attempt to save their crops.
Konthoujam Thoiba, co-convenor of the COCOMI Farmers Wing, said reports of both pests affecting paddy fields had come from several areas.
He warned that the infestation could significantly reduce Manipur’s annual rice production.
Thoiba urged agricultural scientists and state experts to launch local awareness campaigns to inform farmers about safe and effective pest control measures.