A joint action team comprising of representatives of Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPC), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Manipur, Central Agricultural University Manipur and Agriculture department on May 9, inspected the areas infested by highly invasive pest Fall Army Worm (FAW).

The team divided into three groups, visited Chandel, Churachandpur and Imphal west and Thoubal district observed that Kanglatombi was affected the most and recommended use of chemicals after observing the condition.

Speaking to this reporter, an entomologist of ICAR, Dr. Romila Akoijam who was also a part of the inspection team informed that they had given awareness programs in the infected areas where they had visited. 

” Though it is not advisable to use chemicals before knowing the infestation rate, we have suggested the use of chemicals in highly infected areas. We also receive an information that the presence of FAW is increasing even in Thoubal district,” she added.

Romila further added that they also recommended the use of pheromone trap (trap uses to lure insects) which is eco-friendly and supplied by ICAR. Once the pest is trapped in Pheromone trap, one can choose the methods and precautions needed for a particular area based on the number of pests found in the trapped.

Informing that the pest life cycle evolves from egg, larva, pupae, caterpillar,  and to the adult stage which is a cyclic and continuous process, the entomologist also suggested that the pest needs to be destroyed in all its life cycle.

The Fall Army Worm (FAW) was first noticed during kharif 2018 on maize crop in Karnataka. Thereafter its presence has been reported from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Gujarat Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and West Bengal.

Another entomologist of ICAR, Dr. Arti said that there is high chance that the pest will be found in every part of the state where maize is cultivated. There was a huge devastation in Mizoram caused by the pest as the state did not confirm its existence in the state at the earlier stage.

It is very doubtful that the infestation from Mizoram spread even in Churachandpur which is a border district to Mizoram, and it has been reported that, in other countries, the pest can feed on rice and sugarcane too, she added.

Since maize and rice are from the same family, once the pest devastated its host plant which is maize, it can also shift its target to rice as rice season is starting soon in the state. Serious and effective steps need to be initiated at this stage otherwise, the problems will get very severe said Dr Arti.

Arti warned that the infestation can be a problem for Churachandpur district as the district has its own plan to set up a poultry feed from maize in order to motivate the poultry farmer and to reduce the import of poultry feeds. 

She also informed that farmers in the state needs proper advice before buying pesticides from the stores as the pest can become more stronger and its off springs more resistance towards the pesticide.

 A survey conducted by Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC), has confirmed FAW infestation is found in Churachandpur, Kanglatombi and Charhajare of Imphal West, Chandel, Kakching, Thoubal, and Kangpokpi district.