With Fall Armyworm (FAW) threatening agriculture in several countries, over 100 stakeholders from eight nations are gathered at the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics here to understand the challenges and find solutions.

Representatives from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and India and some other South and South-East Asian countries are attending a regional workshop on ‘Fall Army Worm management in Asia’.

First reported in West Africa in 2016, the pest quickly assumed epidemic proportions and spread to over 44 African countries. In India, its infection was first reported in Karnataka last year.

FAW is a lepidopteran pest that feeds in large numbers on the leaves and stems of more than 80 plant species, causing extensive damage to crops such as maize, rice, sorghum and sugarcane. It also attacks vegetable crops and cotton.

“The US is working to address the Fall Army Worm in several African countries. As the FAW has emerged in South and South-East Asia, collaboration is urgently required to manage its spread and minimise crop loss,” Katherine Hadda, US Consul General in Hyderabad, said.

Addressing the inaugural of the three-day workshop, she said information on FAW’s outbreak, along with advance warnings systems, can be extremely helpful to both farmers and policy-makers.

“We have noted with concern the entry of the Fall Army Worm in the country and responded quickly with appropriate measures including advisories and monitoring,” said Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (Department of Agricultural Research and Education) and Director General, Indian Council for Agricultural Research.

The workshop is being jointly organised by the US Agency for International Development, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre and ICRISAT.

Published on May 1, 2019