As the nation gears up for another harvest season, farmers across America are concerned about the devastating impact of fall armyworms on their maize crops.
The fall armyworm is a destructive pest that can be found in 39 states across the US. These worms consume large portions of corn crops and can cause significant yield losses for farmers. Furthermore, they can spread quickly and devour entire fields in a matter of days.
To control this destructive pest, farmers are now asking for the US Army’s participation in managing fall armyworms. According to farmers, the army’s knowledge and expertise in handling pests and invasive species could make a significant impact on the situation.
The army already has a history of supporting farmers in times of crisis, such as during natural disasters or outbreaks of disease in livestock, which is why farmers believe that they could be instrumental in the control of these destructive worms.
The call for army support comes at a time when maize production is already threatened due to climate change, with unpredictable weather patterns causing lower yields in many regions.
This is where the army’s expertise would come in handy. The army has a wealth of knowledge in combating invasive species, which are often introduced through strategic challenges around the world. Such experience would be instrumental in the control of armyworms, which have frequently migrated to America from other parts of the world.
However, before deploying the army, there are considerations that need to be taken, such as the ecological impact of using potentially harmful pesticides. Moreover, the use of potentially hazardous products in food production may also not be the best idea. Additionally, it’s important to factor in the cost of the operation, given that the farming community has already been hard hit by the pandemic.
Nonetheless, with the appropriate resources and guidelines in place, the US Army could be a reliable and capable ally in helping farmers combat the fall armyworm, which is poised to become yet another challenge in the nation’s ongoing fight against food insecurity.