Sri Lankas paddy farmers, currently reeling from a series of crises, including recent heavy rainfall and wildlife invasions, are now facing a brand-new and disconcerting threatan break out of an unidentified types of worms devastating their crops.This pest infestation has been reported in numerous locations, intensifying the problems of farmers who were already struggling to recuperate from the destruction caused by recent floods.The flooding left numerous paddy fields buried under layers of sand, requiring farmers to undertake the arduous task of clearing their lands while browsing a cumbersome process to claim settlement for their losses.Adding to their predicament, wild elephants have been reported to cause significant damage to crops in numerous parts of the island, more jeopardizing livelihoods.Amid this circumstance, in districts like Anuradhapuraparticularly in areas such as Oyamaduwa and Vilachchiyafarmers report that this brand-new pest has seriously impacted paddy fields.
Regardless of utilizing a range of insecticides, the insect stays unmanageable, raising worries of an extreme decrease in harvests.Farmers warn that if the responsible authorities do not act quickly, the pest could infect other areas, worsening the agricultural crisis.
They advise prompt intervention to avoid further devastation to their crops and livelihoods.