Ramechhap: Farmers across Ramechhap district are alarmed as an armyworm infestation continues to destroy large sections of their maize fields, reports Khabarhub.com.
The invasive pests, which first attack the leaves, eventually target the cobs. In many cases, the silks and husks fail to form properly, and the leaves are left shredded. The damage has raised fears among farmers that they could lose their entire harvest if the outbreak is not brought under control soon.
The infestation has spread across multiple areas, including Manthali Municipality, Ramechhap Municipality, Likhu Tamakoshi, Gokulganga, and Khandadevi Rural Municipality.
“If we don’t get this under control soon, our whole crop will be gone,” said Sarita Dhungel, a farmer from Ward 7 of Manthali Municipality.
Krishna Bhujel, head of the Agriculture Development Branch of the municipality, confirmed the damage caused by the armyworms.
“We’re aware of the problem and efforts are underway to contain it,” he said. “But there are still many difficulties in managing the situation effectively.”
