NONGSTOIN: Following the incident at Nongthymmai in Tynghor, West Khasi Hills where thousands of grasshoppers damaged more than 5 hectares of land, experts rushed to the area and conducted inspection.
Villagers of Nongthymmai village in Tynghor told The Shillong Times that it was the first time such species of grasshoppers, which are black with four white stripes, were spotted in the district.
The appearance of thousands of grasshoppers has alarmed the farmers in the area. The swarm has already damaged half of the broomstick plantation. Bananas and thatch grass are also grown in the area.
After the appearance of grasshoppers in the district went viral on social media, the District Agriculture officer and the District Horticulture officer, West Khasi Hills sent officials and staff for spot inspection.
During the inspection, it was found that crops such as broomsticks, bananas and thatch grasses were heavily infested by the swarm. The affected area is approximate 5 hectares and the insects are still in their nymphal stage.
An insecticide, Solomon, which contains imidacloprid + Beta-Cyfluthrin, was sprayed as an experimental measure. Further, detailed survey on identification and severity on the infestation will be studied and appropriate control measures will be recommended.
Officials from the Agriculture department told that during the inspection Dr. Sandip Patra from ICAR was also present where samples were taken for proper examination. The report will be submitted after thorough investigation.
Sources also said that the department will monitor the situation so that the population of the grasshoppers will not explode and affect other essential crops in adjoining areas.