War on worms: Himachal ramps up response to fall armyworm attack

In a bid to assess and contain the destructive spread of the fall armyworm infestation in maize crops across the lower hill regions, Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar chaired a high-level review meeting at Jawali in his native Assembly constituency on Wednesday evening.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Additional Director (North Zone) Dr Rahul Katoch, Vice-Chancellor of CSK Agriculture University, Palampur, Dr Naveen Kumar, representatives from ATMA and JICA projects and officials from the State Biocontrol Laboratory.

Briefing the minister on the alarming situation, Dr Katoch reported that the invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda, commonly known as the fall armyworm, had caused significant infestation in several parts of the north zone, particularly in Kangra district. While acknowledging the gravity of the situation, he emphasised that the Agriculture Department had taken timely and coordinated action to curb the spread of this polyphagous pest.

Dr Katoch highlighted the importance of promoting natural and preventive farming practices, especially during the early stages of crop growth, to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides. He also underscored the need for continuous and rigorous field-level monitoring to ensure early detection and rapid intervention in such pest outbreaks.

Agriculture officials informed the minister about the deployment of dedicated surveillance teams, comprising subject matter specialists, field staff and extension officers, across the affected villages. Experts from bio-control laboratories and scientists from the agriculture university were also actively monitoring the most severely impacted areas.

To control the infestation, farmers are being advised to use specific insecticides, with supplies made available at subsidised rates through block-level offices. Dr Katoch assured the minister that the Agriculture Department is operating on a war footing, with fully mobilised field teams and rapid response mechanisms in place. Farmers have been urged to remain vigilant and report any signs of pest activity to the nearest extension officer without delay.

Himachal Tribune