Pest menace threatens paddy crops amid continuous rains

JEYPORE: Continuous rains and wet weather conditions in the Jeypore region have led to a massive pest outbreak in the paddy fields, causing concern among farmers.

Over a thousand hectares of paddy fields in Jeypore, Kundra, Boipariguda, Kotpad, and Borrigumma are now affected by pests. The relentless heavy rains over the past three weeks have resulted in waterlogged fields, creating favourable conditions for pests, particularly cutworms, to thrive.

The situation is dire as most farmers had just completed transplanting their crops. However, the stagnant water in the fields is hindering proper drainage, leading to the proliferation of pests.