Awareness campaign launched in District Udhampur to combat Fall Army Worm Threat

UDHAMPUR, JUNE 08: To contain the growing threat of the Fall Army Worm (FAW), an extensive awareness campaign has been organized across various Panchayats of District Udhampur.

The initiative is being led by Chief Agriculture Officer Sanjay Anand, with the diligent efforts of Sub Divisional Agriculture Officer Ramnagar, Sanjay Sharma, Sub Divisional Agriculture Officer Udhampur, Ajay Sharma and other officials of the Department

The Fall Army Worm, a pest that poses significant risks to agriculture, especially maize crops, has been a growing concern for farmers in the region. Recognizing the urgent need to address this threat, the Department of Agriculture has embarked on a mission to educate and empower farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to combat this menace.

The awareness campaign, which kicked off earlier this month, includes a series of workshops, training sessions, and field demonstrations aimed at providing comprehensive information on the identification, prevention, and management of FAW infestations. These activities are being conducted at Nalla Mallian, Ghordi Jagir, Ghordi Khas, Kaghote, Amroh, Satyalta and other panchayats of District Udhampur to ensure widespread reach and impact.

The Chief Agriculture Officer emphasized the importance of the initiative stating, “Our primary objective is to safeguard the livelihood of the farmers. By equipping them with the right knowledge and resources, we can effectively manage and mitigate the impact of Fall Army Worm on our crops.”

During the campaign, experts from the agriculture department Arun Samyal SMS (DL), Sukhbir Singh SMS (DL), Mohinder Sumberia SMS(DL), Rakesh Kumar Sharma SMS (SDL) and Arun Dubey SMS(SDL) provided detailed guidance to farmers on various aspects of FAW management, including the use of biological control methods, chemical treatments, and cultural practices that can help reduce the pest population.

Farmers are also being encouraged to adopt integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which promote the use of eco-friendly and sustainable practices.

The response from the farming community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many farmers expressing their gratitude for the valuable information and support provided by the agriculture department. The campaign is set to continue in the coming weeks, with additional sessions planned to cover more panchayats and ensure that no farmer is left behind in this crucial fight against the Fall Army Worm.