As a language model AI, I do not have personal experience or opinion, but here is an article on the topic based on research and data:
Farmers in many parts of India, including Maharashtra and Karnataka, are currently struggling with the outbreak of caterpillar attack on their sugarcane fields. The attack by the fall armyworm is causing significant damage to the crop, bringing down the yields by 25-30% and setting back the prospects of the next season. The situation has raised concerns among the farming community, policymakers, and researchers.
The caterpillar attack by the fall armyworm, or Spodoptera frugiperda, is not new to India. The pest, which is native to the Americas, was first reported in Karnataka in 2018. Since then, it has spread to as many as 17 states, causing havoc among millions of farmers who rely on sugarcane and other crops as their main source of income.
The infestation is particularly severe in the sugarcane-growing regions of Maharashtra, where most of the state’s 25 lakh hectares under the crop are affected. The fall armyworm feeds on the green leaves of the plant, causing extensive damage to the foliage and weakening the stalks, which can then break or topple over in strong winds or heavy rain. This not only reduces the yield but also affects the quality of the sugarcane, making it unfit for processing into sugar or ethanol.
The caterpillar attack has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the changing climate, poor pest management practices, the prevalence of mono-cropping, and the lack of awareness and training among farmers. A recent study by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has found that the use of synthetic pesticides and other chemicals has led to the emergence of resistant strains of the pest, making it harder to control.
To address the crisis, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has launched a research project to investigate the biology, ecology, and genetics of the fall armyworm and develop effective management strategies. The project involves collaboration with national and international partners, including the IITA, the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Apart from research, the government and other stakeholders need to focus on promoting integrated pest management (IPM) practices that reduce reliance on chemicals and encourage sustainable and natural methods of pest control. This would involve a combination of measures such as crop diversification, intercropping, biological control, and use of bio-pesticides, among others.
Overall, the caterpillar attack on sugarcane is a serious challenge facing Indian agriculture. The success of efforts to combat the pest will depend on a coordinated and comprehensive response, involving farmers, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders. The stakes are high, as the sugarcane sector is a key driver of the rural economy and the livelihoods of millions of small and marginal farmers.