Fall Armyworm strikes back

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 11: Fall armyworm has once again started attacking maize plants cultivated at Luwangshangbam, Imphal East.
Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) today furnished a written report to Agriculture Department saying that fall armyworm has once again started attacking maize plants in the State.
In May last year, ICAR Manipur Centre first reported invasion by fall armyworm at Chandolpokpi, Chandel district. Subsequently, the State Government took extensive measures to control the pest.
Maize cultivated by three persons; namely RK Joysana, Ph Dorendro and S Kosheshore at Luwangshangbam have been found devoured by fall armyworm. It is said that 50 per cent of the maize cultivations have been destroyed by the pest. 
A joint team of ICAR, ATMA and CIPM would inspect the maize cultivations tomorrow, informed a source.
According to information received from ICAR, fall armyworm cannot be eliminated totally and as such, it should be managed in eco-friendly manner.