FALL ARMY WORM RAISES ITS UGLY HEAD AGAIN

The Fall Army Worm ( Sena Dalambuwa) pest which caused extensive damage to maize cultivation all over the country and was brought under control with great difficulty has raised its ugly head again in several areas in the Anuradhapura district.

He said the pest could be curtailed by using ash and other local remedies

Fresh infestations have been detected in Mahawilachchiya and Thanthirimale areas much to the anxiety of the farmers.

Maize cultivators in the district said the pest caused immense devastation of crops which made them incur heavy losses during the last Maha season leaving them in a predicament without means to settle cultivation loans and to pay for fertilizer and agro chemicals purchased on credit.

They said they were expecting a bumper harvest this year, but all their hopes were likely to be shattered if the pest was to proliferate once again..

However, Agricultural Instructor in the Pemaduwa Agrarian Services Divisional Office in Mahawilachchiya Sugath Kumara said a pest similar to the Sena Dalamuwa was found to be spreading in a small area but farmers need not be alarmed about massive crop devastation. He said the pest could be curtailed by using ash and other local remedies.

He further said the one and half month old maize cultivation would be safe. The Agricultural Instructor said an Agricultural Technical Assistant had been appointed to provide instructions to the farmers on steps to be taken.