The Department of Agriculture says that a biochemical imported into the country has proved successful in controlling the ‘Sena’ or Fall Armyworm damage that is spreading in Sri Lanka’s maize cultivation.
Anura Wijetunga, the head of the Fall Armyworm Damage Prevention Committee of the Department of Agriculture stated that it has been successfully tested in several areas so far. Accordingly, the distribution of the biochemical NPV to farmers will commence from tomorrow, he said.
Wijetunga said that this is the first time that a biological control system for Fall Armyworm control has been successfully introduced to farmers in the country. He also pointed out that about 10,000 hectares of maize have been damaged due to army caterpillar damage.