Maize is a staple crop in most part of eastern Bhutan. Losing it to pests and weather is a farmer’s nightmare. Unfortunately, farmers in Khomshar chiwog under Bardo Gewog in Zhemgang are battling this nightmare today. They have lost around 50 acres of their maize to armyworm infestation.
Farmers say they have not reported the matter to the relevant officials because what happened to their crops is normal and there is nothing they can do during the dry season. There are about 140 households in Khomshar.
However, agriculture officials in Zhemgang said that there are many measures against armyworm infestation and farmers need to remove weeds from adjacent fields and do weedings regularly to reduce the breeding sites and harborages for the worm.
Similarly, the Gewog RNR official, who is on a tour to other districts, said that in case of armyworm infestations, chemical pesticides are kept ready and will be used if necessary. But he said it should be the last option.
Pema Samdrup
