As the monsoon season sets in over Ahmednagar district, farmers across the region set their sights on their crops. However, this year, a distressing sight has met the farmers of Newasa block. The leaves of their fodder crops are being ravaged by caterpillars.
These pests are known to be leaf-eating caterpillars that can completely strip trees, shrubs, and other vegetation of their leaves. As a result, the crops are facing the risk of significant loss in yield, which can impact the livelihood of the farmers. The block’s farmers are already grappling with the fallout of a prolonged drought, and the pest attack on their crops has only added to their woes.
As per experts, such pest attacks typically occur during the rainy season, where the high moisture levels create an ideal breeding environment for caterpillars. Additionally, the lack of proper pest control measures has exacerbated the situation. The farmers have been unable to employ effective countermeasures due to the costs involved and the lack of knowledge about how to tackle the issue.
The authorities in the region have taken note of the situation. They are providing guidance and support to the farmers to help them deal with the pest attack. The officials have advised the farmers to make use of eco-friendly pesticides and adopt sustainable farming practices to prevent such attacks in the future.
In conclusion, the leaf-eating caterpillar attack on fodder crops in Newasa block, Ahmednagar district, has created significant challenges for the farmers in the region. However, by adopting eco-friendly pest control measures and adopting sustainable farming practices, farmers can mitigate the risk of such attacks in the future.