The outbreak caused by Spodoptera Frugiperda, an insect, that has affected maize cultivation in 1,747.9 hectare across 122 villages, state Agriculture minister C Lalrinsanga had informed.

The state government has constituted a Rapid Response Team to monitor the outbreak and take needful measures to mitigate the loss of crops.
Meanwhile, state Agriculture Department Director Rohmingthanga Colney informed that chemical and organic pesticides are being used to bring the situation control. Concerted efforts are being made to contain the outbreak which was first detected in Lunglei district.