Centre asks states to monitor 'Fall Armyworm' pest infestation

With growing incidents of 'Fall Armyworm' pest infestation on the maize crop, the government has issued an advisory to state governments asking them to closely survey the fields and submit a detailed report.

The worm was first noticed in Karnataka and has later spread to Tamil Nadu and Telangana. The pest has so far been found only on maize crop.

"There are reports of infestation in Karnataka. It is spreading to other states. The agriculture ministry has issued an advisory asking the states to conduct suvey of the affected fields and submit a report," Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director General Trilochan Mohapatra told PTI.

The matter will be discussed with state governments, domestic and international research bodies to find out the technological solution and management practices to control the spread of the invasive agricultural pest, he said.

"This pest has been there for a decade in the US. This is not a new pest. It can be controlled," he added.

The Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is considered deadly as it has caused massive agricultural losses in several countries in Africa.