Farmers in several areas in the country are reporting that their crops have once again been affected by the Fall Armyworm known locally as the ‘Sena’ caterpillar. According to reports Maize cultivation in several areas of the Anuradhapura district have once again come under the attack of the destructive insect.
Farmers point out that thousands of acres of maize cultivation in the area are already being infested by the caterpillars and that agriculture authorities have failed to look into the matter.
Farmers also say that despite various pesticides being sprayed on their crops the caterpillar is not being suppressed in any way and that there is a large spread.
The farmers point out that the caterpillar is infesting the crop more aggressively this time than in the previous seasons. Farmers in the Horiwila area state that they have not received any compensation for the crops that were attacked by the caterpillars during previous seasons.
