Dharamshala, July 10 -- The infestation of the fall armyworm (FAW), a destructive pest, has been reported in several parts of Himachal this year again, posing a serious threat to maize crops and causing concern among farmers across multiple districts. According to agriculture department officials, a varied percentage of FAW infestation has been reported from several parts of North Zone - which comprises Kangra, Hamirpur, Mandi, Una and Chamba districts. In the north zone, maize has been sowed on approximately 1.50 lakh hectares. As of July 8, in Kangra district, the infestation was estimated at 10-15% in Bhawarna and Lambagaon blocks, 15% in Dehra block, and 8-10% in Rait block. Chamba district has reported around 15% FAW infestation in Bhattiyat block, while Salooni and Mehla blocks have recorded about 5% each. In Hamirpur district, Bamsan block reported 5-7% FAW infestation, while some other pockets have recorded around 2%. In Mandi district, around 5% infestation has been reported in Drang, Gopalpur and Sundernagar blocks, while some other pockets have recorded less than 5% infestation so far. Fall armyworm, scientifically known as Spodoptera frugiperda, is a highly destructive insect pest that can significantly damage maize crops. Its larvae feed on maize leaves, tassels, and ears, causing substantial yield losses. It bores into plant tissue, hollowing out the stems and causing irreversible damage. It was first detected in India in the state of Karnataka in 2018 and later the scientists in Himachal reported it in 2019. The agriculture department has direct all field staff to regularly visit affected areas. Additional director of agriculture (North Zone) Rahul Katoch said, "We have also constituted a diagnostic team which will regularly visits affected areas to monitor the situation and sensitise farmers about effective management of the pest." "Farmers need to regularly monitor their fields, and if the pest infestation is less than 10%, there is no need for chemical sprays. However, if the infestation exceeds 10%, chemical sprays like Chlorantraniliprole or Emamectin Benzoate (4 ml per 10 litres of water) should be used," he said. Farmers practising natural farming have been advised not to use chemical pesticides, instead to use formulations approved under natural farming to manage the infestation. If farmers notice any infestation during field inspections, they have been advised to inform the department's natural farming staff, who will visit the fields and recommend appropriate management measures. "For the next sowing season, farmers are advised to undertake deep ploughing and expose soil to direct sunlight for some time. They should also adopt good agricultural practices such as maintaining field sanitation, controlling weeds, and using barrier crops like cowpea or Napier grass," Katoch added....