Armyworms posing serious threat to maize crops in Dhankuta

By Santosh Subedi,Pakhribas, June 8: Farmers in Dhankuta district are worried after fall armyworm (faujikira) infestations devastated their maize crops. Recently, the spread of fall armyworms has severely affected maize and other green crops in the region, increasing concerns among the local farming community.

The fall armyworm, originally from America, reached Nepal six years ago via Africa and India. The climatic conditions in Nepal’s Tarai and hilly regions are found to be favourable for this pest. In Dhankuta, the fall armyworm has been damaging summer maize crops as well as other vegetation. 

Narad Katuwal, a farmer from Mahalaxmi in Dhankuta, reported that the maize plants have started to dry up and fall over due to the pest’s attack. He added that despite spraying pesticides, the infestation has not been controlled, which has left farmers in a dire situation.

The fall armyworm remains hidden from sunrise to sunset and emerges at night to feed on maize leaves and stems. It stays dormant during the day and becomes active throughout the night. Due to the rapid spread of this pest, tender maize plants are beginning to wither, according to Pushpa Karki, a farmer. 

Farmers have complained that most areas under maize cultivation in Dhankuta are now affected by fall armyworm. Karki expressed frustration that, despite this being a recurring problem each year, farmers are forced to frequently visit the municipality and agricultural knowledge centres for assistance. He also lamented the lack of concern from relevant authorities in finding a long-term solution.

Meanwhile, according to the Agricultural Knowledge Centre Dhankuta, fall armyworm infestation tends to be more prevalent during dry periods. However, the centre noted that this time the incidence is lower due to ongoing rainfall. 

Nagendra Rana, chief of the Centre, informed that in areas where fall armyworm has been identified, pesticides are being distributed to farmers through local governments. Local municipalities themselves are also distributing pesticides as needed.

According to data from the Agricultural Knowledge Centre, Dhankuta, maize is cultivated on 13,470 hectares in the district. However, in recent times, there has been a continuous decline in maize cultivation due to wild animals, pest and disease outbreaks and outmigration.