INSECTICIDE TO ERADICATE FALL ARMY WORM COULD HARM PUBLIC: HARRISON

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Economy, Livestock Development, Irrigation and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources P. Harrison said that insecticides with the strength to bring the Fall Army Worm (Sena Dalambuwa) under control had been identified, but the use of such strong chemicals could be detrimental to public health.

During a meeting to look into the possibility of paying compensation to the farmers whose crops had been effected by the worm, he said although the amount of damage caused was minimum, it was gathering momentum.

“It is a question of what kind of chemicals should be used to bring the pest under control. We can use a strong and highly expensive chemical to bring the worm under control. However we must pay attention to how such actions would affect the thousands of individuals selling boiled maize by the roadsides and the safety of consumers as well. The chemical used should not cause a health hazard. If this happens people will put the blame on me. This pest is prevalent in several countries including India, Pakistan and even America. Although it is not possible to totally eradicate the pest the ministry is doing everything in its power to bring this menace under control,” he said

The minister further said that the extent of crop devastation and the losses incurred by the farmers would be assessed and the possibility of paying compensation from the insurance scheme as in the case of paddy and other crops considered.