Aye seeks farmers’ cooperation to combat fall armyworm

Dimapur, May 27 (EMN): Minister of Agriculture and Cooperation, G Kaito Aye has urged the farmers in the state to take advantage of technical camps being organised for their benefit and employ scientific methods to battle the invasion of the fall armyworm (FAW).

In a statement issued on Monday, the minister said that the government is making concerted efforts— employing technology and timely, effective and innovative measures—to ensure minimum damage. “But, above all, there is a need for being aware and alert, both on the part of government agencies and the agricultural community of our state,” Aye said.

Sating that Mizoram and Manipur have largely been affected by the invasion of the deadly pest, Aye said: “I am distressed over the menace being faced by our hard-working farmers, but I would like to assure the agricultural community that the government will leave no stone unturned in combating and containing the outbreak of fall armyworm in the state.”

According to him, the state’s Agriculture department and other agricultural agencies and units were already on high alert and working relentlessly to create awareness and train farmers to mitigate the loss.

“We are also keeping track of technological innovations and digital tools that are being developed to ensure timely and context-specific information to enable farmers to track, spot and treat the FAW pest.”

The Agriculture department and other government agencies were conducting regular training camps for creating awareness among farmers; and also conducting field inspections to identify areas of infestation, Aye informed.

“In this challenging hour, I would like to urge our Naga farmers to cooperate with the officials of the department of Agriculture and all other agricultural agencies and units in making a concerted effort to contain a massive outbreak. I would also like to call upon farmers to take advantage of technical camps being organised for their benefit and employ scientific methods to battle the invasion of the fall armyworm pest.

“Moreover, it is vital that our farmers regularly scout the fields and plantations and immediately report any signs of pest infestation and crop damage to the nearest officials. I would like to assure our agricultural community that the government of Nagaland is committed to the welfare of farmers, and will provide all assistance to ensure your welfare in this challenging moment,” the minister said.