Pests attack paddy fields in Tripura, farmers seek immediate preventive measures

AGARTALA: Farmers of Sipahijala and Dhalai areas in Tripura are facing serious problems as their paddy fields in vast areas are being attacked by pests and the farmers are worried over losing their crops if immediate preventive steps are not taken.

Sources in the Agriculture department said that pest attack has been detected in an area of over 235 hectares of land in Poangbari, South Nalchar, Kemtali and Chandan mura villages under Nalchar Block in Sipahijala district where paddy fields are getting burned and turning blackish.

Receiving the report, State Agriculture Minister Pranajit Singha Roy along with officials of the department visited the area and talked to the farmers to have a first-hand report about the damages and also to adopt preventive measures.

While talking to the farmers, the Minister wanted to know if the experts from the department had visited the fields and if the required medicines are available. He also wanted to know if the medicines are serving the purpose for which they are meant.

It has been learnt that the farmers admitted that officials of the Agriculture departmental had visited the fields and also given medicines. However, one of the farmers alleged that though the effect of the pest attack has been contained after applying the medicines yet it could not be prevented fully. The Minister told the officials to look into the matter.

Similar pest attack has been reported from Ambassa area of Dhalai district. Though not yet alarming the signs of such attacks are visible, said an official of the Agriculture department, adding that senior officials of the department has visited the areas and necessary action will be taken shortly.