NONGSTOIN, Sep 1: Standing crops at Madan Riewblei and Madan Myrhoi as well as in areas of Langpih in West Khasi Hills have been attacked by paddy blue beetles, triggering concern among the paddy farmers.
On receipt of complaint from the farmers, the members of Hills Farmers Union (HFU) under the leadership of its general secretary Lumlang Kharsyiemlieh conducted spot visits and discerned that the pests had attacked the standing paddy crops.
The HFU has reported the matter to the office of the District Agricultural Officer, West Khasi Hills, and a team was dispatched to conduct a field visit.
According to HFU leader Kharsyiemlieh, pest control measures have been initiated by the office in the affected places.
He has also instructed the farmers to collect the selective pesticides from the office, while at the same time calling on the authorities to take steps to prevent infestation of the beetles in other fields of the region.
